TonyM
New Member
My son went to court today on a drink driving charge having been caught with 57mg in 100mg of breath. He is 18 years old with no previous convictions for anything. He passed his test 5months ago. When we arrived at court we spoke to the duty solicitor, he told us that it was a straightforward case, so would not need representing in court. He said he would recieve a 12 month ban, but be offered a drink awareness course to reduce it to 9 months. The fine would be dependant on his income. We asked if he would have to retake his test, to which the duty solicitor said no that would not be a condition.
He went into court and was abit overawed by the whole thing and didn't know what he was expected to say or do. He had a letter of mitigation from his boss stating he is of good character and needed his licence for work, (He's a plumbing/gas engineer) who travels all over the country. But this seemed to make no difference. The upshot is he got a 16 month ban, no drink awareness course offered, a £220 fine and told he would have to retake his test when his ban was up. I feel being so young and inexperienced in these matters, he did need the duty solicitor representation in court.
My questions are - 1/ does his sentance seem harsh for 1st offence
2/ are there any rights of appeal againt the sentance
3/ Based on the sentance given, do you think he has
a case for appeal
4/ What are the likely costs for making an appeal
Thank you for your time and any advise given
regards
Tony.
He went into court and was abit overawed by the whole thing and didn't know what he was expected to say or do. He had a letter of mitigation from his boss stating he is of good character and needed his licence for work, (He's a plumbing/gas engineer) who travels all over the country. But this seemed to make no difference. The upshot is he got a 16 month ban, no drink awareness course offered, a £220 fine and told he would have to retake his test when his ban was up. I feel being so young and inexperienced in these matters, he did need the duty solicitor representation in court.
My questions are - 1/ does his sentance seem harsh for 1st offence
2/ are there any rights of appeal againt the sentance
3/ Based on the sentance given, do you think he has
a case for appeal
4/ What are the likely costs for making an appeal
Thank you for your time and any advise given
regards
Tony.