Emotions when caught drink driving

Convicted Driver Insurance
I'd drank 2 pints of peroni. The police used a road block and pulled everyone into a lay- by.
They breathalised me and when I failed started lecturing my mate about being in a car with a 'drunk'.
Only I wasn't drunk in the least. Came across like he was an a@&£hole to be fair- of course he would NEVER do such a thing...... Oh no.......
 
Description of Offence:
7 months since my best friend passed away, the night after a massive night out I met my friends parents for a drink, plenty of tears and memories, an emotional wreck I needed to go home, a 5 minute journey.

Blood Alcohol Level and Reading Type:
Blew 97

Mitigating Factors:
No previous, pleaded guilty straight away. Offered no excuses.

Aggravating Factors:
None.

Legal Representation at Court?:
duty solicitor, I thought he was rubbish but when he spoke in court and spoke of why I was out and who with he made me cry.

Sentence:
2 year ban reduced by 25% with DD course and tagged for 6 weeks, expecting some big guy at my house and it was a petite old woman, that removed it a day early, I was mortified and told I could go swimming I assured her that wouldn't be happening!!

Offered the Drink Driving Rehabilitation Course?:
Yes - 100% i will attend

Sentence Comments:
arrived at court 08.30, sentenced at 16.30, they followed guidelines I learnt on the DD course, realised I offended, that was that, your character, job, circumstances don't mean a thing!

Hi there. I am researching information to help people to know the facts and consequences BEFORE they get in the car after drinking. I want to know the emotions and reactions that you felt when you were stopped and breathalysed and also what was going through your mind at the police station. Also, did you know that you were over the limit before you drove or were you shocked when it was positive? If you knew that you were over the limit, what made you take the risk? Was it a one-off thing or more of a habit that you had gotten into? If anyone is willing to answer these questions it would go a long way to helping other people to not make the same mistake. Because, in most cases, it is a mistake or error in judgement and I really want to make sure that others don't have to go through the same horrible experience and ban. So if anyone out there is willing to answer my questions I would be really grateful.:)
 
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Hi there. I am researching information to help people to know the facts and consequences BEFORE they get in the car after drinking. I want to know the emotions and reactions that you felt when you were stopped and breathalysed and also what was going through your mind at the police station. Also, did you know that you were over the limit before you drove or were you shocked when it was positive? If you knew that you were over the limit, what made you take the risk? Was it a one-off thing or more of a habit that you had gotten into? If anyone is willing to answer these questions it would go a long way to helping other people to not make the same mistake. Because, in most cases, it is a mistake or error in judgement and I really want to make sure that others don't have to go through the same horrible experience and ban. So if anyone out there is willing to answer my questions I would be really grateful.:)
 
hi there , im probably posting in wrong place ,, i cant find were to post all i can find is replys ?? can anyone help please
 
Hi there. I am researching information to help people to know the facts and consequences BEFORE they get in the car after drinking. I want to know the emotions and reactions that you felt when you were stopped and breathalysed and also what was going through your mind at the police station. Also, did you know that you were over the limit before you drove or were you shocked when it was positive? If you knew that you were over the limit, what made you take the risk? Was it a one-off thing or more of a habit that you had gotten into? If anyone is willing to answer these questions it would go a long way to helping other people to not make the same mistake. Because, in most cases, it is a mistake or error in judgement and I really want to make sure that others don't have to go through the same horrible experience and ban. So if anyone out there is willing to answer my questions I would be really grateful.:)
yes i absolutely want to tell my story . but i cant find the post thread ,, just reply as im doing here ,, please help i need help
 
Hi jimbojams researchers tend to not go down to well on this site but you can post your story here if you like or click on the orange button top right to start a new thread, if you need to talk or be heard there are plenty of folk on the forum who can listen and to give really useful advice if needed, we are all here to help and guide.....
 
Hi there. I am researching information to help people to know the facts and consequences BEFORE they get in the car after drinking. I want to know the emotions and reactions that you felt when you were stopped and breathalysed and also what was going through your mind at the police station. Also, did you know that you were over the limit before you drove or were you shocked when it was positive? If you knew that you were over the limit, what made you take the risk? Was it a one-off thing or more of a habit that you had gotten into? If anyone is willing to answer these questions it would go a long way to helping other people to not make the same mistake. Because, in most cases, it is a mistake or error in judgement and I really want to make sure that others don't have to go through the same horrible experience and ban. So if anyone out there is willing to answer my questions I would be really grateful.:)
sorry still cant find this orange button your talking about ,, im needing help and guidance badly ,, thanks ,, jim email jimbo.jams@yahoo.com
 
ok thanks for the info,i very slightly bumped into the van in front after being clipped from behind ,, there was absolutely no damage to the van in front ,,,but this yuppy jumped out (sorry to say that it was my fault i was over limit , i blew 46 , but that had me at the police station within 5 minutes as we were two and half miles away , put me straight on there machine think i blew 44 if i remember , Now around fifteen mins or so , just a guess as i didnt have a watch . and no clock in the cell , a custody sergeant came to get me for fingerprints , i noticed it was opposite the room with the intoxicating machine you blow in (if thats what its called) i kind of jokeingly said can i have a blow if im under you can let me go now >> to my supprise he said ok lets have a go ,, i have the readings i kept in front of me here ,, i blew 28 ,, gutted i was so close ,, im meant to be taking my wife to essex as i live in devon to see my family as i havnt seen them for 2 years ,, thats on 22nd december ,, my court case is 19th dec ,, that was so quick ,, jut over a week or so ?? thought it would be a month maybe ,, now my stepdad (my mothers other half , its very doubtfull he will see another xmas , and my brother is recovering from asophgas cancer ,,, 9 hour opp ,, i real need see my family ,, is there any way of possibly asking the court to change the date ,,, PLEASE PLEASE help if you can or advice me ,,, kind regards and all the very best to all Jim xx
 
sorry forgot to say they didnt let me out after blowing under , they kept me there for 6 to 8 hours chucked me out into the cold , my car was 2 and half miles away ,, it wouldnt start as they took keys and didnt turn side light of ,, had to get taxi ,, 12 kwid into plymouth find hotel 100 kwid for night ,, got a rescue next morn after another 12 kwid taxi ride ,,, im on benefits so lucky i got my giro night before ,, now skint for two weeks ,, unbeleivable way to be treated
 
Hi Jim sorry to hear about your unfortunate accident and your plans to be, you only just blew over the DD limit so I would of thought you would be looking at the minimum ban of 12 months reduced with 25% if you attend the drink driving course and a fine if this is your first drink drive, however I'm not sure if you can postpone the court case, maybe with the help of a solicitor this can be challenged to postpone till after xmas but again I'm not sure, you can have 20 minutes free with any solicitor to put this request forward, there are other people on the forum who can answer your query better than I can so stay logged in until your questions are answered, don't forget at court you need to ask for the DD course that will reduce your ban.....
 
Hi Jim sorry to hear about your unfortunate accident and your plans to be, you only just blew over the DD limit so I would of thought you would be looking at the minimum ban of 12 months reduced with 25% if you attend the drink driving course and a fine if this is your first drink drive, however I'm not sure if you can postpone the court case, maybe with the help of a solicitor this can be challenged to postpone till after xmas but again I'm not sure, you can have 20 minutes free with any solicitor to put this request forward, there are other people on the forum who can answer your query better than I can so stay logged in until your questions are answered, don't forget at court you need to ask for the DD course that will reduce your ban.....
thank you so much for your reply
 
Hi all, I posted on here back in November last year when I very stupidly drank and drove! Ten months later I finally have the outcome. This forum helped me loads and whilst I’ve still got a way to go, the relief is massive to have finally been sentenced this morning.

Brief Description of Offence:
Was with toxic ex partner at the time at the pub near his flat. Shared 4/5 bottles of wine between 3 of us. Had a row and I stupidly got in my car to drive the 200 metres to his flat.

Blood Alcohol Level and Reading Type:
Breath - a whopping 121. Yep, very very stupid.

Mitigating Factors:
No previous convictions, short distance driven and no passengers.

Aggravating Factors:
Crashed into road sign. High reading therefore classed as HRO.

Legal Representation at Court?:
Yes - paid £600 for a solicitor. Will never know if it was worth it or not but was nice to have someone on my side.

Sentence:
All a bit of a blur still…8 week custodial suspended for 12 months. 29 month ban reduced by 29 weeks after the course. 200 hours unpaid work and £225 fine.

Offered the Drink Driving Rehabilitation Course?:
Yes, will be booking it today!

Sentence Comments:
Was fully prepared and accepting of a lengthy ban. Suspended sentence was a shock, district judge very keen to rattle through (clerks words not mine). The incident happened on the 6th of November 21. I was seen in court May 18th but case adjourned as no probation officer available.

My ban therefore started from the first appearance. I know I’ve done wrong and I’ve come to terms with it, no one to blame but myself so onwards and upwards. Anyone waiting for court, the relief afterwords is phenomenal. Very lucky to have not killed someone or myself so I see this as 100% a lesson learned.
 
Hi there. I am researching information to help people to know the facts and consequences BEFORE they get in the car after drinking. I want to know the emotions and reactions that you felt when you were stopped and breathalysed and also what was going through your mind at the police station. Also, did you know that you were over the limit before you drove or were you shocked when it was positive? If you knew that you were over the limit, what made you take the risk? Was it a one-off thing or more of a habit that you had gotten into? If anyone is willing to answer these questions it would go a long way to helping other people to not make the same mistake. Because, in most cases, it is a mistake or error in judgement and I really want to make sure that others don't have to go through the same horrible experience and ban. So if anyone out there is willing to answer my questions I would be really grateful.:)
Hi yes I worked a night shift had the call from east Surrey hospital need to get there as they couldn’t deal with mum’s dementia . Had a crash and have I paid for it . I’m now a criminal in the same bracket as my aunts murderer . If the claimants had left it I would always be the criminal however where this a blame there’s a claim greed insurance fraud criminal offence 😂 I was about the only one that told the truth in court 😂
 
Hi yes I worked a night shift had the call from east Surrey hospital need to get there as they couldn’t deal with mum’s dementia . Had a crash and have I paid for it . I’m now a criminal in the same bracket as my aunts murderer . If the claimants had left it I would always be the criminal however where this a blame there’s a claim greed insurance fraud criminal offence 😂 I was about the only one that told the truth in court 😂
You've replied to a poster who was last active in 2009 🙃
 
First time when i got caught was when my Ex kicked me out from her house after a argument. With 2 luggages and the car full of clothes i jumped in the car for my adventure to a near by road where the armed police was waiting for me as i had a bb gun with me. You can imagine who rang them.
Was a bit of Movie Show but i complied with them, i blew 54 at that point. They kept me in from Friday until Monday morning where they took me to the court that was connected to the police station for a trial, as there was a lot more allegations that was dropped after and proved untrue. 14 months ban, reduced to 10 months and a half with the course.

Learned my lesson but somehow i went to a pub one night ( 6 years after the first offence ) where i ended in a argument with someone who was employed by that pub. I didn't went there for a night out, in fact i was really tired with pretty much 24h of no sleep.

I was discussing some matters with someone when this certain person interfered.
She started a fight with me and in that aggitation i may told something to the bouncers who kicked me out for no reason and being on the other person side...

I went home, really pissed off with many other things and started drinking from a bottle of wine.

Now coincidence or not " someone else " who was sharing the table with the person i had the argument, was checking on me to see where i am and what i am doing.
Told her that i just polish a bottle of wine...
Not long after police knocked on my door.
I oppened thinking they had a call about the argument.( That was 30-45 min after i left the pub ) In fact they was called in suspicion of drink driving.
I couldn't belive my eyes when they asked me to give a breath sample. I simply refused, told them my sofa hasn't got wheels and this is not a road site.
Been arrested, no hancuffs and taken to police station. I told them that i was having wine when they shown up at my door.
I accepted the evidencial breath sample, where i blew 74.( 25min road trip from home to police station. But i blew 1h after being arrested)
They locked me in the cell where i did a great anger show.
I couldn't help it, as they took me from my home comfort and i felt not in wrong.
I didn't addmited driving at any point, told them that i was drinking home when they shown up and they didn't even considered any of those details.
They released me on bail the day after with a pre charge. After 1 month of waiting, they extend it for another month. Now actually i got 1 week left to see their decision.
Not sure what will happen but because they consider me a reoffender i don't seem to have any credibility.
So now is up to them to proove the drink driving.
And up to me to proove them that they in wrong.
 
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I been researching so much in the last 2 months but i couldn't find anyone with a similar storry. Mine seems to be from the idiots comedy movie.
 
I chose to drive when I shouldn’t have five years ago this week as it happens. Life was pretty dark back then, and due to my own lack of judgement and restraint it was about to get a whole lot darker.

For me it was a combination of insidious factors, which for years I conveniently ignored. Perhaps the the seeds were sown by the fact that - slowly but very steadily - heavy drinking had kind of crept up on me. My mates had always loved a beer since we were all teenagers; my family also tended to gather at events which were always alcohol-centric. Having a few on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (regularly even Thursday night too) just became the norm, for several years; and my ex-wife being an ex-barmaid turned hairdresser also loved a drink. In our 20s and early 30s, this was entirely normal, and despite the frequency of savage hangovers there was absolutely no lasting damage done, generally ever, and my life was generally happy and successful.

As the years rolled on, work got busier, I got older and less fit, began playing football and generally exercising less, which at the time didn’t seem to make too much of an impact; but was probably offsetting the weekend hedonism a little more than I had ever bothered to notice. Although I didn’t feel as well in my 30s as I did in my 20s - and clearly my lifestyle was to blame - I didn’t notice enough. As my career progressed I began to fly more, entertain more, socialise with work more. Whilst this was immensely tiring and made me feel worse and worse, I still wasn’t noticing; because it was all actually rather fun. But there were other things I wasn’t noticing beyond of course the ever-increasing alcohol consumption and frequency of that, notably its effect on my mental (and not just physical) health, perhaps even my (failing) marriage, and not least the propensity alcohol had on any particularly significant bender for me to imbibe on other substance of intoxicance. Which didn’t always end well.

So by 2017, although flying high career-wise, still fairly young and with a lot of promise ahead, I really wasn’t happy. I was most likely alcoholic at this point given the patterns of drinking (regardless of the semblance of control I believed I had, largely because I could stop if I really had to), completely burnt-out from all the travel and stress, and deeply unhappy in a marriage that despite producing two beautiful kids had gone incredibly stale. She had seemingly no intention of wanting to remedy things despite my trying (in fact pleading with her) to several times. I ended up falling for someone else I worked with, leaving my wife in the autumn of that year, and switching jobs at the same time (workplace relationships were very much frowned upon at the group of companies at which I was a director at the time - I had little choice really, and left before it all came out).

Leaving the ex-wife and the erstwhile job were never bad decisions. What I left them for were. The new job turned out to be dreadful, and the people who hired me complete snakes. After leaving my wife, the new partner wouldn’t leave her fella at the time, and wouldn’t for over another six months. This, the stress of the relative ‘comfort’ of what I’d walked from to where I found myself, the loneliness (I really wasn’t good on my own for a number of years) etc. all plunged me into an absolute pit of despair, and it was over that period the accident happened.

I didn’t realise it at the time, but it was almost definitely my behaviour making a lot of this worse. I didn’t feel like me unless I’d had a couple of beers, and slowly this began to permeate life. People were getting concerned. Frequently alcohol must have been smelt on me when it shouldn’t have been (or was odd to have been), and although I don’t recall making a habit of DUI, I was frequently getting smashed every day while WFH to get through the mental torment of what life had become. Mornings became a regular occurrence of walking to or taxiing wherever the car had ended up. Often I didn’t recall arriving home the night before and it would sometimes take a minute or two to realise where I’d left it.

On the day in question, the girl I had been waiting to move in and I had been arguing the entire week preceding, mostly because of a reticence on her part I had no idea I was probably fuelling more than any other doubt she may have had. I dread to think what I drank that week, but every day I was waking up feeling rough by then. I did my usual trick of driving to the local, having a couple, driving to another, leaving car there and carrying on. I had no intention of driving home that day. However, as (bad) luck would have it, my ex and the kids came into the same beer garden I was lamenting my life in. It would have been rude to leave, and since we owned two houses and had a divorce ongoing (I lived in the smaller one we used to let out, but we needed to sell it to properly divide everything), so I took the opportunity while I saw her - despite being pissed - to get her to sign some paperwork to authorise me to sell the second house. While this was ongoing, new girl calls informing me she’s sorry, she’s coming over, she’s ready to sort it all out.

I panicked because I knew if I told her the truth (firstly that I was pissed, and secondly that I was with the ex-wife - no matter how innocent the chance or reasoning) she would probably be gone for good. So against any better judgment I should have had and despite my ex pleading with me not to, I picked up the keys and headed off. It was the stupidest thing I’ve ever done, and set in motion a turn of events that would see me lose my job, eventually another relationship, my reputation and more than a few friends and family.

There is a lot here I’ve missed out, and a lot I can’t really bare to impart. But despite some of the nasty things said and done to me during and since that period, I have come to realise that I do only have myself to blame, and let down an awful lot of people (both still in my life, and both sadly and happily not) for which I am truly regretful. Although I never physically hurt anybody, I am sure I was equally as nasty and hurtful over that period, because I simply was not in control.

It’s absolutely no coincidence that neither my life nor my mental health began to improve, until I met someone better suited to me who convinced me to finally stop. I’ve been dry ever since, and although I’m not quite back to where I was yet, I’m damn close, and with a much better mindset to propel me through the remaining gap, I hope.

Life is very different now. Mornings have gone from my least to my most favourite part of the day. Sleep (until recent unrelated events) is mostly now never a problem. It’s great being able to drive whenever and at whatever time of day, because you know you’ll be fine. Whilst I’ll always miss that buzz at the beginning, I really don’t miss being pissed.

It’s worth mentioning that psychotherapy and particularly psychological therapy (CBT) also helped massively to get me back on track.

Despite massively regretting what I have done to this day, it doesn’t weigh me down as much anymore. Some of the people I no longer see or who drifted away, I really don’t miss; the friends and family I love dearest thankfully (mostly) never gave up on me. Whilst it’s true I go out nowhere near as much now, I don’t mind that at all, and al much happier enjoying a quieter evening. Partially that was the shame perhaps, especially in the early days; but it’s now more because - without alcohol - pubs are actually quite depressing places. There are much better ways to socialise, if you can be bothered to scope these out.

As said many times before on here, it’s amazing how often with those of us dumb enough to fall foul of DUI there is always a back-story, a mental issue, or a life situation that is crippling us inside. Yes, there are some selfish scumbags out there who really don’t care. However, very few of them ever seem to make it here, where you’ll mostly find people just like me… someone who thought this would/could never happen to them, because they don’t do it often or indeed ever, but simply on one particularly bad day just let life events, temptation, and above all intoxication override a sensibility that during good times would never have come into question.

We are all sinners, and we all **** up once in a while; and a DUI is never a good character reflection, it must be said. But it’s how we atone or recover from these things that mostly defines us, and our character. The choice to drive that day was a bad one, but the choice to recover is always there.

So that’s my story I guess. Blew 102, 24(18) ban, whopping four figure fine. Took three medicals and a temp license to get the full back, but it’s back, and I’m keeping it. :)
 
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