NEW: What Happens If Caught Drink Driving in Ireland?

Don't take my word for it: if you know a Garda, ask them.

If you’ve been arrested, you’re probably already punishing yourself.

If you’re a woman, you definitely are.

You’re imagining the disqualification. The job problems. The family ‘disgrace’.

The explanations you’ll have to give.

if these cases were automatic,

we wouldn’t need courts.

And most people around you will say the same thing.

“You were over. That’s it, isn’t it?”

I understand why it feels like that.

But you need to leave that stuff behind.

I tell clients the same thing every time: I know how you feel, but you need to focus now.

I’m not trying to be rude here.

I already know you feel devastated or worse.

I’m a lawyer, not a GP or counsellor.

The top priority is to deal with the legal dangers facing you.

There’s a time to deal with the emotional stuff.

Right now we have to deal with the legal stuff.

I care about winning, and that’s what I put my focus into.

And you should too.  

But if cases were automatic, we wouldn’t need courts.

A judge cannot convict because something looks ‘obvious’.

The prosecution must prove its case according to strict legal rules.

Every aspect. Beyond reasonable doubt.

If it is not, the judge must acquit.

Not might. Must.

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Here’s what I’ve learned, first inside the Gardaí and now defending people in courtrooms across Ireland.

Many people give up long before the case is properly examined.

Then we take a look at things.

Not just me, but the team of 4-5 top road traffic barristers in the country.

This process is forensic.

And details people thought didn’t matter suddenly matter a great deal.

An arrest is serious. Of course it is.

But it is not the end of the story.

Still think that just because you’ve been arrested you’ll be disqualified?

It’s not the case.

But don’t take my word for it: ask a Garda, and they’ll tell you.

"Many people give up long before

the case is properly examined.

Then we take a look at things"

So it’s important to get good, experienced road traffic advice.

After all, it’s the choice between going off the road or driving home.

And everyone wants to drive home.

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Frequently Asked Questions

If I was over the limit, is conviction certain?

No. The court must be satisfied that the prosecution has met strict legal and procedural standards before any conviction can happen.

Why does it feel automatic?

Because emotionally it seems obvious. Legally, it rarely is.

What makes these cases complicated?

They depend on evidence being gathered and presented exactly as the law requires.

If a judge feels the State hasn’t made their case beyond a reasonable doubt they must acquit you.

Can I keep driving after being charged?

Yes, unless and until a judge disqualifies you.