Drink-driving charges

LegacyUser

Hi, this may be in the wrong place, mods, please move it if it is
My fiance was arrested for drink-drinking back in October. I'm still disgusted, I've always been anti drink-driving due to some events in my past, but I decided to stay with him. I'll never forgive him, he knows that, but, f**k it, I've made my decision.
Anyway, his summons came through a few days ago. Does anybody know what he can expect? He was quite a bit over the limit (ironically, he had brought his car out so that he wouldn't drink, as he has some issues with alcohol, was drinking non-alcoholic beer until he realised that some "friends" were buying him normal beer, decided that a few more wouldn't hurt, and then had the genius idea to drive the car home), admitted at the scene that he had been drinking, and was given a blood test. Thankfully nobody was hurt because of his actions (just me )
My questions are: What's the maximum punishment? A fine? A ban? Does the fine have to be paid upfront? Does the case get published in the press? He spoke to a solicitor, who was rubbish, and now says that he'll just take what he's given in court coz he deserves it. Are there any mitigating circumstances that might go in his favour, such as attending counselling for alcohol abuse?
Frankly I wish it would all just go away, but that's not going to happen. I'd just like to know from others who have been in this situation themselves or through friends what's ahead for him?
Thanks Lx

TheZohanS

Definite ban, maybe jail...might even be a long stretch if he was a lot over the limit.

Depending on how much he was over the limit he might be looking at a fine of €5,000.

Attending counselling for alcohol abuse won't really count for much.

He should listen to his solicitor, "rubbish" or not he knows best.

It won't go away, your b/f probably won't be able to get car insurance after his ban and if it does it will cost him an arm and a leg because he broke the law.

Not a PI.

angry_fox

depends on how much over the limit he was and also on the judge. My advice would be to get another soliciter. He will not go to jail

LegacyUser

he wont go to jail only if he is charged with dangerous driving which he isnt. just drink driving yes???? keep an eye on the summons make sure all of the particulars are correct on it and for gods sake if your solicitor is **** get a different one! it will ruin his lawful driving ability so it is important to make sure your happy with where your going with it.

but i might suggest that if he was so far over the limit your solicitor probably isnt **** he's probably being practical because if he goes arguing his case and contesting it the judge is likely to be harsher in the punishment he gives him if he is blatantly guilty like your saying!!

by the way request a meeting with your solicitor you are paying him enough and ask him or her all of these questions... i reiterate you are paying him enough and he should know the answers best!!!!

Wibbs

I opened this so you may get some idea about what may happen. The best advice is in the last post. Get a solicitor and get a good one. Closed


http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/travel-and-recreation/motoring-1/driving-offences/drink-driving-offences-in-ireland