What happens when a suspect is charged with drink driving?

When a suspect is charged the police will release them on bail to attend the Magistrates’ Court.

Can a police officer testify in a drink driving case?

The officer’s own testimony can often establish that a person drove a motor vehicle on a public road or in a public place but that is not enough to secure a conviction as the most crucial element of the offence is missing: Was the person over the limit?

Why does it take so long for a drink driving case to go to court?

Nobody wants criminal proceedings hanging over them as it can be a constant source of stress and anxiety, particularly if driving is crucial to their livelihood. The duration of the case can also have an impact on the overall costs so knowing how long a case will take can be a huge factor in the decision making process.

How is evidence used in a drink driving case?

Once booked into custody; the suspect will undergo the Drink & Drug Driving procedure and it is this procedure that yields evidence that can be used as part of a prosecution. In drink driving cases, this evidence will take the form of either a breath, blood or urine sample whereas drug-related cases will only involve blood or urine samples.

What happens if you get charged with drink driving?

If you have been charged with a drink driving offence you can find out what penalty your are likely to receive at court by using our drink driving penalty calculator and prepare yourself for your day in court by reading our magistrates court guide.

Can a person be prosecuted for drinking and driving?

You can be prosecuted for driving while unfit through drink or drugs even if the level of alcohol in your system does not exceed the legal limit if your driving was impaired due to alcohol or drugs. If you have been drinking, DO NOT DRIVE!!!

Can a cop find you guilty of underage drinking?

Further, If an officer testifies that he believes that you were drinking a magistrate could find you guilty of the charge. The short answer: You can be charged if someone said you were drinking and you exhibit behavior that tends to support that.

What to do if someone has been drinking and is unconscious?

If someone has been binge drinking and is an unconscious or semiconscious state, their breathing is slow, their skin clammy, and there’s a powerful odor of alcohol, they may have alcohol poisoning. Don’t leave them alone to “sleep it off.” Turn the person onto their side to avoid them choking if they vomit.