The potential consequences of driving under the influence of drugs go beyond driving bans or fines - they can affect your work and place your financial stability at risk. A conviction of drug driving can impact job security, insurance premiums and personal reputation.
Drug driving offences can involve substances ranging from illegal drugs like cannabis or cocaine to prescription drugs such as opioid-based medications, including methadone and codeine. These cases are complex, with legal limits for both illegal substances and prescription medications. Understanding these rules can be confusing, especially if you didn't realise prescribed drugs could even lead to a drug driving charge. A conviction can result in severe penalties, including disqualification from driving or, in some cases, imprisonment.
At Switalskis, our drug driving lawyers specialise in handling cases like yours, offering clear and pragmatic advice that addresses your individual circumstances. Whether you’re facing charges for a first offence or you believe your situation involves unfair circumstances, our team is here to help. We’re committed to defending your rights, minimising the impact on your life and achieving your best possible outcome.
To discuss your situation and find out how we can assist you, give us a call today on 0800 1380 458, or get in touch with us via our website.
When you contact us, we’ll start by discussing your situation in detail to understand the specific circumstances of your case. We’ll assess the strength of the evidence against you and explain the legal process clearly so you know what to expect.
Drug driving cases require in-depth legal expertise and attention to detail, and our team has extensive experience handling motoring offences. We'll guide you through each stage of your case, making sure you're well-informed and confident in the decisions you make.
Drug driving is when you’re found driving or in control of a vehicle while impaired by drugs or over the legal limit for a specified controlled substance. This doesn’t just apply to illegal drugs like cannabis or cocaine - prescription medications such as codeine or methadone can also lead to a charge if they impair your ability to drive.
The law sets strict limits for these substances, and the police will typically conduct a roadside saliva test. If drugs are detected, this is followed by a blood test at the station to confirm the results. A conviction can lead to penalties such as a driving ban, fines or even imprisonment, depending on the circumstances of your case.
Many people who contact us have been charged with drug driving offences in situations that are not straightforward. These often include uncertainty about prescription drug limits, procedural errors in roadside or laboratory testing or situations where someone is accused of being unfit to drive even if they were not driving at the time.
We also assist clients who are accused of offences related to drug use, such as careless driving in connection with impairment. Whatever the specifics of your case, we’ll carefully review the evidence and identify opportunities to challenge the charges.
Facing this charge can be intimidating, especially with the risk of losing your licence or facing other penalties. At Switalskis, we will give you a strong defence and the best chance of achieving a positive outcome. While every case is unique, defending against a drug driving charge generally involves the following steps:
The first step is to contact our motoring crime team as soon as possible. The earlier you get in touch, the earlier we can advise you on any decisions that could affect your defence. During this initial consultation, we’ll discuss the details of your case, review any evidence against you and outline your options.
If you decide to plead not guilty and seek representation, we will immediately begin building your defence. This involves thoroughly reviewing the evidence, including police procedures, blood test results and roadside testing methods. We may also gather additional materials such as medical records, witness statements and other documentation relevant to your case.
Once we’ve prepared your defence, we’ll engage with the prosecuting authorities to challenge the evidence against you. This could include questioning the accuracy of drug test results, identifying procedural errors during your arrest and demonstrating mitigating factors that reduce your culpability.
Our solicitors will present a compelling and clear defence at your court hearing on your behalf. We’ll handle the legal arguments, cross-examine witnesses where necessary and highlight any inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case.
The outcome of your case will depend on the evidence and circumstances involved. While it’s possible for charges to be dismissed or penalties reduced, outcomes vary. Whatever happens, we’ll make sure you fully understand the implications. We will also provide clear and practical advice on your next steps. This might involve discussing appeal options, addressing how the outcome may affect your driving licence or employment, or exploring ways to minimise its impact on your future.
We'll keep you updated throughout this journey so you're aware of any developments and what they mean for your case. With Switalskis at your side, you can leave the legal strategy to us and be confident that we’re handling things with your best interests at heart.
The penalties for drug driving depend on the specific circumstances, but they are always severe. They can include a minimum 12-month driving ban, an unlimited fine, up to six months in prison, and a criminal record.
For those convicted while using prescription or opioid-based drugs, penalties are determined by the severity of impairment and the specified limit of the controlled drug. When you instruct the motoring offence team Switalskis, we will work hard to fight your corner and, where possible, reduce or dismiss charges.
In some cases, errors in testing procedures or insufficient evidence may affect the prosecution's case. Our solicitors will thoroughly review the circumstances surrounding your charge to determine whether the evidence supports a defence or if there are grounds to challenge the case against you.
The allegations will be explained to you, and a date for court proceedings will be set. It’s important you don't admit to the charges before seeking legal advice. Contact us immediately, and we’ll begin developing a strong defence for your case.
You can be charged with attempting to drive or being in control of a vehicle while unfit due to drugs. These cases often depend on the specific evidence and circumstances.
Reach out to us today for a free, no-obligation consultation by calling 0800 1380 458, or contacting us through the website.
Sarah Myatt joined Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero on an exclusive true crime podcast ‘True Criminals’. The episode, ‘Wrongfully Convicted: The Peter Sullivan Story’ discusses the recent quashed conviction of Peter Sullivan, the UK’s longest serving victim of a miscarriage of justice.
Sarah Myatt, Solicitor Advocate and legal representative for Peter Sullivan, has spoken to Phil McCann at the BBC about the government’s proposed uplift in compensation for victims of miscarriages of justice.
The proposals made by the sentencing review are practical and rooted in a clear understanding of what drives reoffending, the question is: do they go far enough?
A landmark Court of Appeal ruling has quashed the conviction of Peter Sullivan - the UK’s longest serving victim of a miscarriage of justice - following a two decade-long campaign led by law firm Switalskis.
We're here to guide you if you've been charged and need reliable legal advice. We aim to ensure you feel informed, supported and confidently represented. Our aim is to make sure you feel informed, supported and confidently represented. Here’s what you can expect from us:
The legal process for drug driving offences can feel intimidating, with complicated terminology and procedures adding to the stress. Our role is to simplify it for you. We’ll answer your questions clearly, explain each stage and offer the information you need to make well-informed decisions.
We aren't here to judge you, we're here to understand your situation and offer pragmatic ways to help you get the best outcome. That’s why we take the time to understand your personal circumstances and concerns. Our advice is always practical, compassionate and focused on your unique needs.
Defending yourself against a motoring offence requires a legal team with proven expertise. With years of experience and a strong track record, Switalskis is a name you can trust. We’ve successfully represented clients facing various charges, and our results speak for themselves.
Our priority is ensuring your rights are protected at every stage of the legal process. We’ll stand by you, advocate for you and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome.
If you’ve been accused of drug driving, contact the experienced drug driving solicitors at Switalskis right now. Call us today on 0800 1380 458 or contact us through our website to get started.