Motoring Law
Drug Driving: Solicitor Sean Reilly, Manchester and the North West
A drug driving conviction carries a minimum 12 month ban, even where you felt completely fit to drive.
These cases turn on scientific evidence. Roadside swabs are only a screening test, and the prosecution has to prove a blood reading above the specified limit taken and handled correctly. We examine the sample chain, the time between driving and testing, the laboratory analysis and whether prescription medication provides a statutory defence.
Delay is common in drug driving prosecutions and can be a powerful argument, particularly where charging has taken many months and the defendant has been driving without incident throughout.
Penalties you could face
- Minimum 12 month disqualification
- Unlimited fine and up to 6 months custody
- Criminal record that shows on an enhanced DBS check
How Sean can help
- Blood sample taken, stored or analysed incorrectly
- Statutory medical defence for prescribed medication taken as directed
- Failure to follow the correct roadside and station procedure
- Abuse of process arguments where charge has been unreasonably delayed
Frequently asked questions
I was prescribed the medication, is that a defence?
It can be. There is a statutory defence where medication was taken in accordance with directions, and we build that with medical evidence.
Drug Driving advice across the North West
Free consultation call, straight answers and no jargon. Available for police station attendance and court hearings across the North West.