Scared After Being Arrested for Drink Driving? Here’s What Happens Next

Caught for Drink Driving and Don’t Know What to Do? Read This First

It usually starts with a search like this:

• “Will I lose my licence for drink driving Ireland?”

• “First time drink driving what happens?”

• “Can I go to jail for drink driving?”

• “Drink driving arrest — what should I do now?”

But the real question behind them all?

“Am I ruined?”

That’s the fear that keeps people awake at night. And it's why you're here.

"If your family are the kind to banish you forever

because of something like this,

you need a new family"

The fear is normal. The spiral is not.

When you’re arrested for drink driving — especially if it’s your first offence — it’s tough.

Very tough.

You replay everything.

You overthink.

You Google until your chest tightens.

Some people become suicidal.

That’s not weakness. That’s adrenaline, shame, panic and mental health difficulties doing their job.

You’re not going mad.

You’re in shock.

But here’s what I can tell you, after years of seeing this up close:

This doesn’t have to define you.

And it doesn’t have to destroy your future.

Common fears that hit hardest (and the truth behind them)

1. “My employer will fire me.”

Not necessarily. Many employers don’t even hear about it unless you tell them.

And if you rely on your licence, a disqualification doesn’t even mean instant dismissal. There are ways to soften the blow — and in some cases, avoid it entirely.

After all if your employer values you, they hardly want to get rid of you.

Also, if you don’t need your licence for your job, then it would be highly unlikely that your employer could successfully dismiss you.

After all, why would they?

2. “My family will never forgive me.”

This is complete nonsense. If your family are the kind to banish you forever because of something like this, you need a new family.

You’d be amazed how many people quietly understand. Especially once they realise it was a moment of panic or a one-off mistake. The hardest part is often your guilt — not theirs.

"Stop mentally ‘hammering’ yourself.

It’s a pointless waste of time and

gets in the way of trying to create a defence for you"

3. “My life is over.”

It isn’t. Most clients I represent avoid disqualification completely.

But only if they take action early.

What does anxiety look like after arrest?

• Doom-scrolling case law at 3 a.m.

• Checking the same news articles five times a day

• Convincing yourself no solicitor can help

• Thinking “everyone knows” when nobody actually does

• Feeling sick every time your phone rings

If that’s you — I get it.

But I also need to tell you: none of that changes the facts.

And panic is no substitute for a plan.

How drink-driving prosecutions actually work

It’s not as simple as “over the limit = guilty.”

The State must prove:

• That the procedure was followed correctly

• That time limits were respected

• That the specimen was taken lawfully

• That the essential proof documents were properly completed.

• That the actual words spoken -in certain circumstances- were properly spoken.

Even in strong cases, one gap in that process can collapse the whole thing.

Here’s what to do right now

1. Breathe. Literally. Calm down and take your time.

2. Stop searching. Not forever — just for an hour. Your mind is in a fear loop. You need to put a stop to that.

3. Write down what happened. From the moment the blue lights appeared to the minute you got home. Don’t edit. Just get it down.

4. Reach out. Quietly. Privately. No pressure. Even if you’re not sure you want a solicitor yet.

5. Stop mentally ‘hammering’ yourself. It’s a pointless waste of time and gets in the way of trying to create a defence for you.

   
   

FAQ

Q: Will I definitely be disqualified?

A: No. There are defences. There are mistakes. And there are options.

Every case is potentially defensible.

Q: I admitted everything — is it still worth fighting?

A: Yes. Many cases fall not on what you said, but on what Gardaí didn’t do correctly.

Q: I’m too ashamed to tell anyone.

A: Then don’t — yet. Just tell your solicitor. Start there. Quiet honesty always beats public panic.

If you’ve read this far, you already know you need help.

Not a lecture. Not judgment. Just clarity, and a sense that someone’s in your corner.

Call or email. Or send a message through the website.

You’ll feel better after the first sentence.

I’ve seen it happen hundreds of times.

They (the State) have to get all the elements of the offence right all the time.

You just have to create one doubt in the judge’s mind.

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

And everybody wants to drive home.