Every year, Christmas parties, family gatherings and New Year’s Eve celebrations create an easy trap that catches thousands of otherwise responsible drivers: the dangerous belief that “I’ve only had a couple… I’ll be fine.”
This time of year, police forces across the UK increase roadside patrols and breathalyser checks. And rightly so – drink driving can put lives at risk. However with heightened enforcement comes an inevitable rise in arrests, including many people who genuinely misjudge their alcohol levels, drink the night before without realising they are still over the limit, or find themselves in situations where the evidence is not as clear-cut as it first appears.
If you’ve been charged with drink driving this festive season, it’s important to understand one thing: your case is not hopeless. Far from it.
Why Drink-Driving Charges Spike Over Christmas and New Year
December is the busiest month of the year for drink-driving arrests. Social events pile up, routines change and people step out of their usual habits. Even those who rarely drink may have a few glasses at work events, family gatherings or New Year celebrations, often without realising how quickly “a couple” can push them over the legal limit.
Combine this with increased police activity, and you have the perfect environment for unintentional offences.
But a Charge Does Not Automatically Mean the Maximum Penalty
Many clients contact Momentum Solicitors in complete panic. They fear:
- A lengthy driving ban
- Losing their job
- Criminal conviction
- Huge fines
- Long-term consequences for insurance and career
In reality, the outcome depends heavily on the specifics of your case and the skill of the solicitor representing you.
Not every drink-driving allegation is straightforward. There may be procedural errors, issues with the testing process, medical considerations, or grounds for arguing special reasons or mitigation that significantly reduce the impact of the charge.
What Momentum Solicitors Can Do for You After A Drink Driving Charge
Our team specialises in defending drink-driving cases, particularly during the Christmas and New Year period when arrests surge. We assess every aspect of your charge, including:
- Whether the police followed correct procedure
- Calibration and operation of breathalyser equipment
- Whether your reading is low enough to argue for a minimal ban
- Any mitigating factors – such as emergency reasons for driving
- Circumstances that may justify arguing for the shortest ban possible
- Whether you can take a Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course (DDRC) to reduce your ban further
A surprising number of clients have come to us expecting the worst. Preparing themselves for long bans or the maximum penalties, only to walk away with far shorter disqualifications than they ever imagined. Some avoid disqualification altogether where the law allows a special reasons argument.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
Drink-driving cases progress fast, especially around the festive period. Early advice can shape the entire direction of your defence. The sooner we review your case, the better your chances of securing the most favourable outcome.
Acting now could mean:
- Being back on the road long before next Christmas, instead of waiting through years of restrictions
- Keeping your job
- Reducing the financial and personal impact
- Protecting your long-term future
You’re Not Alone and Help Is Available Now
Being charged with drink driving is frightening, embarrassing, and for many people, completely out of character. But this one mistake does not need to define your future.
Momentum Solicitors are here to help guide you through the process, explore every defence, and work to secure the shortest ban or most lenient outcome possible.
Charged With Drink Driving This Christmas or New Year? Talk to Us.
We offer a free, confidential assessment of your case. No judgement, just clear advice, expert defence, and a plan to help you move forward.
Contact Momentum Solicitors today and let us help you get back on track.
