Is it worth getting a solicitor for drink driving?

It's a good question but you already know the answer.

But just to be clear.

Yes. Yes, you should get a solicitor to represent you.

Why?

Because a conviction for drink driving carries a mandatory disqualification from driving

of at least 6 months.

It could be as high as 4 years.

I have spoken to a lot of people around the country.

A lot of those conversations involve people weeping.

They were deeply upset and they can't imagine

how they got themselves into this position.

Can you afford to be without your car for 3 years?

Of course not.

Nobody can.

How do I know who I should get to represent me?

That’s a good question too.

Often people who have been arrested for drink driving don’t want anyone to know about it because they feel a little ashamed.

They’re ashamed of themselves and they’re really frightened of people finding out.

Because if people find out they’ll judge them.

At least that’s what they feel.

And I should know because I have spoken to a lot of people around the country about cases like this.

A lot of those conversations involve people weeping.

They were deeply upset at what had happened and they can't imagine how they got themselves into this position.

I have had those conversations and they are tough for the client.

People like to get personal recommendations. That’s natural.

We all do, especially when it comes to an area like drink driving which you know nothing about.

But its understandable if you don’t want to ask others here.

So, the solution is simple: you need to tell someone, at least one person. They may be a family member or close friend, but you need to tell someone.

That’ll make it a little easier (you’ll be mentally unburdening yourself) and that other person can ask around on your behalf.

They can ask other people for their help on behalf of “a close friend” without obviously identifying you.

But yes, you do need a solicitor, somebody who knows this area and who can advise you.

In my experience travelling to courts across Ireland there are solicitors in every town and city who know the drink driving landscape very well.

Your friend’s job is to locate them for you.