guttedandabitmortified
New Member
As much as I absolutley regret being so stupip as to get in my car and drive it knowing I had drank too much, I did 
first time in my life I have ever done this and to be honest, totally against my morals! BUT, i did, and I have to suffer the consequences. I blew 101 at the police station, prety much 3 tmes over and was advised that a ban was definate. First court hearing was 5 days later, I though I would have to plead guilty and loose my licence (and job based on the fact I work all over the country) as I had admitted to the police in all statements at the time that I was fully aware I was over the limit and had done wrong. BUT, after being advised to seek specialist advice, I did so and to cut a long story short.... I was told to plead not guilty, to at the best keep my licence for a bit longer. This was Oct 2009. My court hearing was last week. Again, on the advice of my solicitior, I pleaded not guilty and went to trial. Main mitigation being around the 'procedure being carried out incorrectly' Although I don't deny I was over, the police did not follow the correct procedure with the breathaliser stuff... The ploice were called as witnesses to my hearing and totally messed up in court changing their story, I stood up and defended myself with the help and advice from my solicitor. When the Jury found me guilty and gave me 24 month ban, 9 month community order, but no fine?? Even the prosecutor was surprised due to the LEGAL FLAWS in the way the police had dealt with my intoxicator procedure.
My solicitor immediately advised we would be appealing and requested my licence back with immediate effect pending my appeal which will be heard at Crown Court. This was granted immediately. Therefore, I left court, 4 months after first being caught, being convicted but still being able to drive for now... and the appeal is likely to take a few months to come to court according to my solicitor so could be up to a year after the event before I am banned if I dont win my appeal (although I am hopeful I will).
I attended probation this week for my community order and she had never heard of someone keeping their licence pending appeal, PLEASE tell me if you have?? Is this a good thing? Does the fact th Magistrates agreed to this straight away mean even they believe I will win??
This process had will have cost me in the region of £6-7k but if I keep my licence, it will have been worth it, if I dont, then I could have been back driving not long after this is all over!!
Any advice welcome, I am deeply remorseful for my stupid actions and do not in any way condone drink driving, but hands up, I was stupid on that night!
first time in my life I have ever done this and to be honest, totally against my morals! BUT, i did, and I have to suffer the consequences. I blew 101 at the police station, prety much 3 tmes over and was advised that a ban was definate. First court hearing was 5 days later, I though I would have to plead guilty and loose my licence (and job based on the fact I work all over the country) as I had admitted to the police in all statements at the time that I was fully aware I was over the limit and had done wrong. BUT, after being advised to seek specialist advice, I did so and to cut a long story short.... I was told to plead not guilty, to at the best keep my licence for a bit longer. This was Oct 2009. My court hearing was last week. Again, on the advice of my solicitior, I pleaded not guilty and went to trial. Main mitigation being around the 'procedure being carried out incorrectly' Although I don't deny I was over, the police did not follow the correct procedure with the breathaliser stuff... The ploice were called as witnesses to my hearing and totally messed up in court changing their story, I stood up and defended myself with the help and advice from my solicitor. When the Jury found me guilty and gave me 24 month ban, 9 month community order, but no fine?? Even the prosecutor was surprised due to the LEGAL FLAWS in the way the police had dealt with my intoxicator procedure. My solicitor immediately advised we would be appealing and requested my licence back with immediate effect pending my appeal which will be heard at Crown Court. This was granted immediately. Therefore, I left court, 4 months after first being caught, being convicted but still being able to drive for now... and the appeal is likely to take a few months to come to court according to my solicitor so could be up to a year after the event before I am banned if I dont win my appeal (although I am hopeful I will).
I attended probation this week for my community order and she had never heard of someone keeping their licence pending appeal, PLEASE tell me if you have?? Is this a good thing? Does the fact th Magistrates agreed to this straight away mean even they believe I will win??
This process had will have cost me in the region of £6-7k but if I keep my licence, it will have been worth it, if I dont, then I could have been back driving not long after this is all over!!
Any advice welcome, I am deeply remorseful for my stupid actions and do not in any way condone drink driving, but hands up, I was stupid on that night!
