If you have been stopped, breathalysed and found to be driving under the influence of alcohol, you are committing a drink driving offence. This can attract severe penalties that can have a massive impact on your life.
In some circumstances, you can use what the law calls “special reasons” in mitigation. While these are not a defence, they can be a way of getting your sentence reduced or even wiped out altogether, although the threshold for special reasons is quite high.
It is important to be aware, though, that these special reasons must be very compelling, as courts can take a very dim view of drink driving, given the number of serious accidents it can cause.
Three of the most common reasons used are emergencies, spiked drinks and the short distance travelled with no intention to drive much further. If you are accused of driving under the influence of alcohol or dangerous driving, solicitors with relevant expertise can advise you on any special reasons that might apply to your case.
When providing a special reason in your case, the courts are likely to question the circumstances around the offence in order to determine whether the nature of the offence could have been prevented. However, it is of ultimate importance that any arguments made featuring special reasons must be compelling, well prepared and credible.
In any event, expert legal advice will be able to help you with your case and ensure you receive the best possible support.