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Charged with a drug driving offence?

At Caddick Davies, we specialise in representing motorists who have been charged with drug driving offences. Whether you’re accused of driving under the influence of legal or illegal drugs, we can help.

Call for a Free Consultation 0330 175 6859

Charged With Driving Under The Influence Of Drugs – What Next?

Being charged with drug driving needn’t mean an automatic conviction. If you’ve been accused of a drug driving offence, we’d always recommend seeking the advice of specialist drug driving solicitor as soon as possible.

At Caddick Davies, our team of highly experienced drug driving solicitors have the expertise required to defend even the most complex cases. Our aim is to keep your licence and help you avoid a criminal conviction if at all possible.

We understand that being charged with drug driving can be an intimidating and frightening experience – especially if you may be facing a penalty such as a jail sentence or disqualification.

We’ll work with you to make sure we have all the facts and evidence required to build your case and ensure that the court hears your side of the story. Should you be found guilty, we will always strive to minimise the sentence or penalty you’re facing.

Our team of specialist drug driving solicitors can also provide advice and assistance if you’ve been charged with related offences such as dangerous driving, causing death by careless or reckless driving, or failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

If you need legal advice or assistance with a drug driving offence, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team of specialist solicitors can provide the legal advice and support you need to give yourself the best chance of a successful outcome. Contact us today for more information or to arrange an initial consultation.

Call for a Free Consultation 0330 175 6859

Drug Driving Law

The offence of driving with drugs in excess of the prescribed limit makes it an offence to drive with anything more than a very small amount of illegal drugs in the body. This is because drugs can easily impair your driving ability, meaning that it is dangerous to be in charge of a motor vehicle whilst under the influence of drugs.

Preliminary swab tests can be taken at the roadside for certain substances, like cannabis and cocaine, if an officer suspects that you are under the influence of drugs, while following an arrest, a specimen of blood or urine can also be requested by the police.

The charge of Driving with Excess Drugs in the Blood is a relatively new offence having only been introduced into UK law March 2015. This means that procedures for obtaining and analysing samples of blood for drugs are in their relative infancy and are very often not followed correctly. This uncertainty means, with the right legal representation, a not guilty verdict is often a very real possibility.

We are more than aware that the new offence often means that law-abiding motorists are often unfairly criminalised and those who have used medication entirely legitimately and whose driving is exemplary will find themselves on the wrong end of a charge they probably weren’t even aware existed.

Using our specialist knowledge we’ve secured hundreds of acquittals for the offence of “drug-driving” in recent years, while also priding ourselves that we offer unparalleled levels of support to each and every one of our clients. So, give Caddick Davies a call today and see how we can help you.

Call for a Free Consultation 0330 175 6859

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What Are The Drug Driving Defences?

If you’ve been accused of driving whilst unfit through drugs, you might be wondering whether there are any defences for this charge.

Defences for drug driving include:

  • You were taking legal prescription drugs for medical or dental purposes and did not receive medical advice that driving should be avoided.
  • Procedural mistakes were made when taking and testing the blood sample.
  • That you were not aware that you were under the influence of drugs and believed that you were safe to drive, for example if you were spiked.

If you have been caught drug driving and you believe that one of these defences may apply to your case, contact us for free initial advice.

What Happens If You Are Pulled Over For Driving Whilst Unfit Through Drugs?

If you are stopped for a suspected drug driving offence, the police officer may do some preliminary tests at the roadside. This may include a roadside test, a one leg stand test and other tests to check your coordination and balance.

If they suspect that you have committed a drug driving offence, they may ask you to attend the police station for a blood test, as part of the police procedure for suspected drug driving offences. This blood sample will then be tested at a laboratory and the results will be reported back to the police.

If the blood sample is positive for legal or illegal drugs, you may be charged with the offence of driving whilst unfit through drugs. You may also be charged with other offences such as dangerous driving or possession of drugs.

It is important that if you are charged with drug driving, you seek out specialist legal advice from an experienced solicitor who has dealt with similar cases before. They will be able to provide advice and guidance on the next steps to take and how best to prepare for your defence.

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There are a number of factors which make Caddick Davies the ideal option for anyone facing a motoring charge in England or Wales:

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    Having a drug driving conviction on your licence could have serious consequences for both your personal and professional life.

    If you’re found guilty of driving with excess drugs in the blood, you could face an unlimited fine, up to 6 months in prison and a minimum 12-month driving ban – plus a criminal record.

    Caddick Davies are experts when it comes to drug driving defences, with a proven track record, and we believe in ensuring that our clients achieve the best possible outcome for their case.

    We provide support throughout the entire process – from initial consultation, through to attending court and representing you in front of a judge.

    Our aim is always to help keep your licence and avoid a guilty verdict wherever possible, so if you’re facing a drug driving charge, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.

    The UK drug driving limits are laid out in the Government’s “Drug Driving (Specified Limits) Regulations 2014” which came into effect on 2 March 2015.

    The law sets different limits for different drugs, with some of the more well-known limits being:

    • Cannabis & Cocaine – 10µg/L
    • MDMA – 10µg/L
    • Ketamine – 20µg/L
    • Morphine & Heroin – 80µg/L

    At Caddick Davies our team of specialist drug driving solicitors can provide detailed advice on the limits for each drug and answer any questions you may have about your case. We’re always on hand to provide guidance and support – so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.

    Whilst most drug driving charges will result in a disqualification, the court does have discretion to decide the length of a ban.

    In some cases, the court may decide not to impose a driving ban. However, this is rare – so it’s important to seek legal advice from an experienced solicitor if you’re facing a drug driving charge.

    At Caddick Davies, we can advise you on your defence and the options available to you in order to minimise your sentence or avoid a driving ban.

    Legal Aid is available for drug driving charges in certain circumstances. This will depend on your income and financial resources as well as the seriousness of the offence you’re facing.

    At Caddick Davies we can advise you if you are eligible to receive Legal Aid, and provide assistance with applying for this if necessary.

    Call for a Free Consultation with a drug driving solicitor 0330 175 6859