Advice please

Convicted Driver Insurance

Advice please

New Member
I was stopped driving my 50cc scooter home (with an adult passenger) at about 11:30pm over the weekend. I was not driving dangerously and co-operated 100% with the police. I registered as 44ug on the breath test and am awaiting the results of the urine test.

I have a few questions on process please:

I have the second urine sample - do you think I should be arranging to have this tested separately?

Are you able to give me an idea what to expect in court please - I realise there's a minimum 12m ban, but I wondered whether there's any way that might reconsidered given the relatively low level of my reading.

Would you recommend I arrange for representation in court - assuming the urine results show a sufficiently high level of alcohol in my blood, I had just planned to plead guilty and let my co-operation, low test results etc speak for themselves.

If I don't arrange for representation would you recommend I take the oportunity to speak myself to put forward these mitigating factors, and to acknowledge my mistake and accept that I've learnt a lesson from the experience?

Is there anything else I should be considering in the way of mitigating factors? I do have 3 points on my licence for speeding in 2008 (again a marginal offence at 35 in a 30 zone on a relatively major road exiting from the Limehouse link) so can't claim impeccable past behaviour.

Many thanks.
 
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I would always recommend and independent analysis of the second blood or urine sample handed to you at the police station. The cost is modest and it provides peace of mine. It is particularly worthwhile in cases where the police analysis is borderline.

Unfortunately, if convicted following a guilty plea or trial, a disqualification from driving is mandatory in the absence of special reasons. Personal circumstances and consequences of disqualification can never be a reason for a ban not being imposed. The statutory minimum is 12 months but this increases on a sliding scale with higher readings. Check your reading against the sentencing guidelines for an idea about what length of ban to expect.

I would also always recommend you are legally represented in court. It can be a very nerve racking experience and most people find the experience easier when a lawyer is talking for them. It will also ensure that you receive the best outcome in the circumstances, particularly if you instruct your own solicitor and provide him with all the details about your mitigation before the hearing so he/she can prepare before arriving at court.

We are able to provide nationwide coverage of representation in court by specialist solicitors and barristers. Call us free of charge on our 24 hour helpline on 0845 0020736 to discuss your case in more detail.
 
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