Write It Down Now: The ‘Memory Blueprint’ That Can Save Your Licence

Updated: Jun 29

Arrested for Drink Driving? First Step: Your Written Story

FAQ

Q: Why bother writing it down?
A: Small details (who said what, exact timings, weather, what happened next) often expose holes in the prosecution case.
Q: Is their version not accurate?
A: Relax, this doesn’t mean they’re deliberately making stuff up or leaving stuff out. It’s usually because they forgot little details. But those details are sometimes crucial. That’s where you come in.
Q: Should I share it with anyone?
A: Only your solicitor. I’m not in favour of sharing it with anyone, even those who may have been with you. Once two people read the same account, they start remembering things the same way.
Q: What if I remember new bits later?
A: Add them. Memories surface in fragments.

Hidden fears we’re sorting out.

“I can’t remember everything – does that mean I’m doomed?”
No. Your brain stores more than you think; writing jogs it loose.
You won’t get it all down at once. It may take 2 or 3 attempts.
When something pops into your head, write it down and add to your account.
“I was over the limit – isn’t it pointless?”
Impairment is one of the legal tests, not drinking per se. Detail helps spot procedural mis-steps. But the law is king. It must be applied properly and fairly. If it isn’t…
“I’ll look guilty if I admit I drank.”
Are you serious? If you’re being prosecuted for drink driving, then you scientifically had alcohol in your system, so it’s insane pretending you hadn’t drank.

The method

Pen & paper first – removes phone distractions.
Timeline spine – draw a line, mark every 10-minute block from “encountering the Garda” to “released from station.”
Sensory sweep – sounds, conversations.
Legal sign-posts – Were you cautioned? Did you sign documents? What was said to you and when?
Living document – keep adding notes until you’re absolutely sure you’ve covered everything.

Your memory is freshest right now.

Delay means detail dies.

Email your timeline to me – I’ll read it and make notes.

Clear strategy beats hours of midnight doom-scrolling.

Final Takeaway

I spend a lot of time interrogating my clients, trying to get their account bit by bit so I can build an overall picture of what happened.

"But when I heard it, I knew we would win.

And we did"

I had a very difficult case a few years ago.

It was only after a number of conversations that the 'golden point' emerged.

The client wasn't deliberately keeping it from me -why on earth would he?- he simply hadn't mentioned becasue he didn't think it was important.

But when I heard it, I knew we would win.

And we did.

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.

Lets work on building that doubt.

Grab a pen and paper.

PATRICK