drink driving - mental health

[charlie1]

Hi,

I made the stupid decision to drink drive last week. I blew 43mg. I was stopped because I'd turned onto the high street by mistake, which is bus only. It was late at night, so there was a police car in town.

I have no previous criminal records and I have a clean license. The police said I'd just had a bad night and that I will be facing a ban of 12 month with a possible reduction to 9 months if I am offered a course.

I've been struggling with my mental health. I wondered whether this could affect my sentence? I'd been receiving therapy for depression and anxiety through the NHS. On the night I wasn't doing very well and believe this was a factor in me making the stupid decision.

I have left my work and I am very worried about what a criminal record will mean for employment. Am I certain to receive a criminal conviction with a sentence? I was definitely in the wrong and don't want to try and justify it.

Thanks for any help,

Charlie

 

[Martin Hammond]

Good Afternoon,

The police are correct with their advice and the sentence they are talking about would be the minimum regardless of you individual circumstances unfortunately.

Kind regards
Martin.

 

[charlie1]

Thank you. That's very helpful to know. Can you provide advice on what I should prepare for court ? Should I prepare a plea for mitigation to get the minimum sentence, provide evidence of my therapy or anything else?

Thanks again,
Charlie

 

[Martin Hammond]

Hi, yes you should prepare what you say the best you can and provide evidence of why you were in that position. The key is to let them know how sorry you are for your error.

Good luck
Martin.

 

[charlie1]

Thank you, would you advise I get a solicitor to help prepare mitigation?
Best,

Charlie