drink driving

[nicky22]

if somebody gets caught drink driving, if its there 1st offence will they get imprisonment

[coemgen]

I think it would be very unusual. I could be wrong but I think it's more likely the culprit would be banned for up to 3 years and advised to attend a support group to help with drinking. If I'm wrong I'm sure someone will advise you otherwise.

[florawales]

A custodial sentence is rare for a first offence UNLESS the person was around 4 times over the legal limit, or their actions resulted in someone else being injured or killed. See http://www.drinkdrive.org.uk for full details of what happens in Court and the sentencing options.

[branchinghen]

my mate got cought a couple of weeks ago . they cant tell how much you are over the limit as they said he was twice over the limit and i know this was a lot on nonsence because i sat and drank about 20 drinks with him . his punishment was a 6 month ban and had to attend an alcahol awareness class .

[IndieSinger]

You sat and watched your "mate" drink 20 drinks and then let him get behind the wheel?

[pezza.......]

branchinghen, I am afraid you are wrong. The police can and do find out how much over the legal limit you are. If the roadside test proves positive, or if you refuse to take a roadside test the accused will be taken to a police station where either a second breath test will be carried out or a Police medical officer will take a blood sample. If the second breath test is taken, a calibrated machine is used called an intoxilyser (spelling ?) which will give the accurate reading of breath alcohol content. If they said your mate was only twice I would say he was lucky!

[sft42]

Came across this while trawling through the net for something else....it seems pertinent here:

A man from Blairgowrie, in Perthshire, has been described as the UK's worst driver. He has been disqualified from driving for life following convictions on drink driving offences. But although John Williamson claims that he "only drives when I am drunk" he has been disqualified "for life" no less than EIGHT TIMES. He has also had other bans totalling a further 79 years. But, despite his appalling record, the court can only jail him for a maximum of one year. His latest conviction at Perth Sheriff Court arose when traffic police - who know him well - spotted him driving near Kirriemuir. Despite the police car sirens and flashing lights he continued to drive at speed - and only stopped when he reached his own front door, where he was arrested! Despite Williamson's lengthy record, the Sheriff then reduced his sentence from the maximum of twelve months to ten months - as he had pleaded guilty. But with automatic remission, Williamson will be back on the streets in November. He claims "I don't feel that I am dangerous. Other people are worse drivers than me."

[TommyC]

And then people worry about the death penalty...?? :o)