First Time Drink Driving Offence

Our highly experienced drink driving solicitors provide:

• 24/7 legal support in person and over the phone, 365 days a year
• Representation anywhere in England and Wales
• Accredited Police Station Representatives to support you during a police interview
• Clear, effective legal advice in any language (see our languages spoken)

Speak to our first time drink driving offence solicitors today

For a free initial consultation on your legal position, and the available options when defending a first time drinking offence, contact our local offices in London, Birmingham or Manchester.

For urgent advice at any time of day or night regarding drink driving, please call our Emergency Number 07836 577 556.

Why choose our first time drink driving offence solicitors?

At JD Spicer Zeb, our specialist motoring offence solicitors have over 45 years of experience representing clients facing drink driving allegations, including those charged for the first time.

We understand how worrying it can be to face criminal proceedings, and we can offer straightforward, effective legal support from the start of your case.

Our team knows exactly how first time drink driving cases are prosecuted and what steps can be taken to protect your licence, reputation and future. We will carefully assess the evidence and can instruct expert witnesses where needed to support your defence.

If you are arrested, our accredited police station representatives are available 24/7 to advise and support you. Should your case proceed to court, we work with some of the UK’s leading criminal defence barristers to ensure you have the strongest possible representation.

We are recognised by the Law Society for our expertise in Criminal Litigation and hold the Lexcel quality mark for excellence in legal practice.

Our expertise with first time drink driving offences

Representation at Police Stations

If you are arrested on suspicion of a first time drink driving offence, it is important to seek legal advice before answering any police questions.

Anything you say during your interview can have a significant impact on the direction and outcome of your case.

At JD Spicer Zeb, our experienced police station solicitors and accredited representatives are available 24 hours a day to provide clear, reliable legal advice and robust representation.

We regularly support clients facing drink driving allegations and will act quickly to protect your rights and ensure you are treated fairly throughout.

Pre-charge bail and released under investigation

If you have been released on pre-charge bail or are under investigation following an arrest for a drink driving first offence, it is crucial to speak to a specialist motoring offence solicitor without delay. Being released does not mean the matter is over, as the police may still be gathering evidence and considering whether to charge you. 

While on pre-charge bail, you may be subject to certain conditions, such as restrictions on travel or requirements to report to a police station.

At JD Spicer Zeb, our experienced drink driving solicitors can assess your situation, provide clear advice on your legal position, and guide you through the next steps. We will protect your rights, keep you informed, and work to put you in the strongest position should formal charges follow.

To find out more in relation to pre-charge bail and release under investigation, please use the links provided below:

• Pre-charge bail and Released Under Investigation (RUI)
• On Bail But Not Charged - What Does It Mean?
• How long can you be on bail without charge UK?

Penalty mitigation

If you are facing penalties for a first time drink driving offence, our team will take the time to review your case in detail and assess any weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. Where possible, we will explore whether the charges can be dropped or reduced before your case reaches court.

At JD Spicer Zeb, we understand how daunting it can be to face criminal proceedings, especially for the first time. Our solicitors offer a practical and supportive service throughout, giving you clear guidance at every stage.

If a conviction cannot be avoided, we will focus on penalty mitigation, presenting any relevant personal circumstances or other evidence to help minimise the impact on your licence and reputation.

Legal representation and defence

If you are facing prosecution for a first time drink driving offence, our expert solicitors will ensure you have the strongest possible defence from the start of your case. We will guide you through every stage of the legal process, clearly explaining your rights, the evidence against you, and your available options.

Whether your case is heard in the Magistrates’ Court or escalates further, our priority is to provide clear, strategic advice tailored to your situation. We will assess all available evidence, instruct independent experts where needed, and prepare a robust case to challenge the allegations against you.

Should your case proceed to trial, we can work with some of the UK’s leading criminal defence barristers to ensure you have the highest level of representation in court.

Where a guilty plea is advisable, we will help you present the strongest possible mitigation case, securing a reduced sentence and avoiding the most serious penalties.

At JD Spicer Zeb, we have over 45 years of experience, so you can be confident that your case will be handled with professionalism and a clear focus on achieving the best possible outcome.

Fees and funding

When dealing with fees and funding, our drink driving solicitors will always be clear and upfront about your options.

Legal Aid may be available in some cases, but this depends on the seriousness of the case and whether it will justify the grant of public funding.

To find out more about the way we handle fees (both Legal Aid and private fees), please use the links provided below:

• Our Fees – Crime Cases
• Do I Qualify for Criminal Legal Aid?
• Bespoke Crime Private Fee Service
• Will Your Private Legal Costs Increase?
• Do We Offer Free Consultations?

Related offences

We also provide support and guidance on various other matters that are related to drink driving, including:

• 12 Points on Licence - Totting Up Ban
• Blue Badge Offences
• Causing Serious Injury by Dangerous Driving
• Dangerous Driving
• Death By Careless Driving
• Death by Dangerous Driving
• Drink Driving
• Driving Whilst Disqualified
• Driving Without Due Care and Attention
• Driving Without Insurance
• Drug Driving
• Failing to Stop For Police
• Failing to Stop after an Accident
• Failure to Provide Driver Details
• Failure to Provide a Specimen
• Mobile Phone Driving Offences
• Penalties for Failing to Stop for the Police
• Speeding Offences

Related cases

• Discontinued Before Trial: Drunk in Charge Motor Vehicle - Willesden Magistrates Court 2025
• Application To Remove Driving Disqualification Early - Thames Magistrates Court

Common questions about first time drink driving offences

What happens if you get caught drink driving in the UK?

If you are caught drink driving in the UK, you will usually be arrested and taken to a police station for further testing, such as a breath sample.

If you are found to be over the legal alcohol limit, you may be charged with a drink driving offence and required to appear in court.

Penalties can include a driving ban, a fine, community service, or even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the case.

If you are found guilty, you will also receive a criminal record. It is important to seek legal advice immediately to protect your rights and explore your options.

What is the punishment for drink driving?

The drink driving penalties for a first offence will depend on the level of alcohol in your system and any aggravating factors.

For a first-time offender, the minimum penalty is a 12-month driving ban, a fine, and potentially a community order.

Higher alcohol readings or aggravating factors, such as causing damage or having passengers, can lead to longer bans, larger fines, or a custodial sentence of up to six months.

Sentencing follows specific guidelines set by the Sentencing Council, but courts have discretion and will consider any mitigating circumstances when deciding on the appropriate penalty.

Can you go to prison for drink driving as a first offence?

 Yes, it is possible to go to prison for a first offence of drink driving, although this typically depends on the seriousness of the circumstances.

For example, if you were found to be significantly over the legal alcohol limit, caused an accident, or endangered others, the court may impose a custodial sentence.

The maximum prison sentence for drink driving is six months. However, many first-time offenders receive penalties such as a driving ban, fine, or community order instead.

Legal representation can help ensure your case is properly presented and may help to reduce the severity of the outcome.