NEW: What If I’m Guilty? The Hidden Fear No One Talks About After a Drink Driving Arrest in Ireland

Write it all down

It usually happens around 3am.

You're lying awake, staring at the ceiling, heart racing. You’ve replayed it all—again and again. The blue lights. The breath test. The blood sample. The silence in the Garda station.

And then the thought that keeps pushing to the front of your mind:

"What if I’m actually guilty?"

Nobody Talks About This Fear. But I Will.

Most of the calls I get aren't from people looking to “get off on a technicality.”

They're from people who are panicking because they think it's already over.

They say things like:

• “I was well over. There’s no way around that, is there?”

• “I know I made a mistake. I just want to know how bad this is going to get.”

• “I was over the limit, I think. Is it pointless?”

"Sometimes what seems like a dead end

is actually just a bend in the road—

if you know where to look"

What they’re really asking is this:

“Am I going to lose everything?”

Their job. Their licence. Their reputation. Sometimes their family.

It’s not just about court.

It’s about what comes after.

Being Charged Doesn’t Mean You’re Beyond Help

Let me say something clearly: Just because you believe you’re guilty does not mean that you are guilty.

Odd, I know, but bear with me.

Some logic.

Every single motorist prosecuted for drink driving was over the limit.

Well, obviously I hear you say.

If simply proving a motorist drove while over the limit was sufficient for a drink driving conviction, then every accused driver would be disqualified.

But they’re not. Not at all.

About 34% are acquitted.

Yes, that’s right.

On average 34% of motorists who drove while over the limit are acquitted of drink driving.

So, what happened between your belief that if your drive while drunk in public, you must be guilty and the reality of someone being acquitted?

The law. The law happened. It intervened between your belief in your own guilt and the reality.

Because drink driving convictions are not just made up of this equation: drunk motorist + driving in public = conviction.

You were not guilty according to the law.

_________

You’d be amazed how many people assume they’re guilty when:

• The paperwork wasn’t completed properly.

• The correct legal procedure wasn’t followed.

• The evidence has gaps.

The law is more complex than you think. And justice depends on it being followed—every step of the way.

You're Not Alone. You're Not the First.

I’ve sat beside hundreds of people in courtrooms across Ireland who were absolutely convinced that their lives were about to fall apart.

Many of them had high readings. Some gave blood, but the process wasn’t followed properly.

Some gave urine and a procedural step was not followed.

Some tried to give breath but because of some breathing disorder couldn’t produce enough for a specimen.

Most were deeply ashamed and had never been in trouble before.

All were over the limit.

Every single one.

Quite a few walked out of court with a completely different outcome than they expected.

Because guilt isn’t always black and white.

Because the system has to be fair.

And because sometimes what seems like a dead end is actually just a bend in the road—if you know where to look.

This Might Be the Worst Week of Your Life. But It Doesn’t Have to Define You.

You’ve been arrested. You’re overwhelmed.

You’re almost certainly too embarrassed to tell many people, or even anyone at all.

Quite normal really.

Welcome to my world.

"Ask yourself this question:

Do I want to go off the road or drive home?"

But here’s the truth: it’s not game over.

It’s not too late.

And it’s not something you need to figure out on your own.

Or should.

One Final Thought

You don’t need to decide anything today.

You don’t need to talk legal strategy.

Just speak to someone who understands this area better than anyone else.

Someone who won’t judge you.

Someone who knows what’s possible—even when it doesn’t feel that way.

Give me a call.

Let’s talk through it—calmly, clearly, and in plain English.

Because no one should have to walk this alone.

Common Questions People Ask When They Think They’re Guilty:

• Is there any defence to drink driving if I blew over the limit?

• What happens if the blood test confirms I was over?

• Can I still save my licence if it’s my first offence?

• Do I need a solicitor?

• Will I go to prison for a drink driving conviction in Ireland?

If you’ve asked yourself any of these, you’re not alone. And yes—there are answers.

Ask yourself this question: Do I want to go off the road or drive home?