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Philip Trotter and Martin Hammond have  over 40 years experience in helping keep UK motorists driving. The UK's most trusted motoring law specialists.

 

Drug Driving Solicitors London

What you need to know

If you’ve been caught drug driving in London or the surrounding area, it is essential that you act fast, and secure yourself representation as quickly as possible from one of our reliable local solicitors.

At Hammond Trotter Solicitors we promise you three things:

  • We will get to the heart of your case quickly
  • Ensure you have the best possible drug driving defence
  • Secure your position in court

To speak to one of our specialist drug driving defence solicitors, call us now on 020 3886 2340 for a free consultation to discuss your case in greater detail.

What is Drug Driving?

Drug driving, in its simplest terms, is the action of driving a vehicle whilst under the influence of illegal or prescription drugs over the legal threshold.

After the change in the law on the 2nd of March 2015, the offence of drug driving has now been brought into line with the offence of drink driving and with it the zero tolerance approach to the offence.

What does this mean to you? If you are unfortunate enough to be charged, not only is your livelihood at stake but potentially your freedom if you are arrested. So, don’t hesitate, seek advice immediately from a specialist drug driving solicitor.

What happens if I get caught drug driving?

Having a positive test outcome for drug driving will usually occur in one of two places, the roadside or after being arrested at the police station.

To provide some insight into either of these situations, we have provided a guide on what to expect and what to do before contacting a specialist drug driving solicitor.

I’ve been Caught Drug Driving at the Roadside

  • When driving, if directed to do so by a police officer you are legally obliged to pull over as soon as it is safe to do so (Remember failing to stop for a police officer is a criminal offence).
  • If the police have ‘reasonable’ suspicion that you are driving under the influence of a drug (prescribed or otherwise) the police, have the right to stop you.
  • Once pulled over, the officer in question must provide their reasons for doing so.
  • If you are suspected of taking either prescription or non prescription drugs, which have impaired your ability to drive the officer will carry out a FIT test (Field Impairment Test) or request a sample of saliva via a swab. If in either case the test returns as positive you will be arrested and most likely taken to the police station.

Call us now on 020 3886 2340 for a free consultation or ‘Request a call back’ via our contact page.

I’ve been Caught Drug Driving, and now I am at the Police Station

  • If you find yourself being arrested for drug driving, you will be required to take a urine or blood test, the results of which will be admissible in your court case. (Failure to provide the necessary specimens will result in at least a driving ban and an unlimited fine).
  • The sample you provide will next be sent off for analysis and, if you are not charged or being held for any other offence you will be released and advised what date you must return to the police station.

To speak to one of our specialist drug driving solicitors, call us now on 020 3886 2340 for a free consultation or ‘Request a call back’ via our contact page.

What are the UK’s Current Drug Driving Limits?

The substances that you will be tested for and their quantities are broken down into 3 categories: Medical, Prescription and Illegal.

Medical

Below are some of the drugs you will find in medicine which are illegal otherwise and which are included in drug driving legislation:
Cannabis (THC)
Cocaine
Morphine
Diamorphine
Methadone
Ketamine Amphetamine
Flunitrazepam
Diazepam
Lorazepam
Oxazepam
Temazepam

Prescription

Below are some of the limits for prescribed drugs:
Morphine 80 micrograms per 1 litre of blood
Methadone 500 micrograms per 1 litre of blood
Diazepam 550 micrograms per 1 litre of blood
Clonazepam 50 micrograms per 1 litre of blood
Flunitrazepam 300 micrograms per 1 litre of blood
Lorazepam 100 micrograms per 1 litre of blood
Oxazepam 300 micrograms per 1 litre of blood
Temazepam 1000 micrograms per 1 litre of blood

Illegal

Below are some of the limits for illegal drugs:
Benzoylecgonine 50 micrograms per 100ml of blood
Cocaine 10 micrograms per 1 litre of blood
Cannabis 2 micrograms per 1 litre of blood
Ecstasy/MDMA 10 micrograms per 1 litre of blood
Heroin & Diamorphine 5 micrograms per 1 litre of blood
Ketamine 20 micrograms per 1 litre of blood
LSD 1 micrograms per 1 litre of blood

Methylamphetamine 10 micrograms per 1 litre of blood

What are the Consequences of a Drug Drive Charge?

Unlike a drink driving charge, being charged with drug driving brings with it a variety of different chargeable offences resulting in various penalties.

Penalties can range from:

  • Disqualification starting at 12 months (36 months for the second relevant offence in 10 years)
  • Unlimited fine
  • Unpaid Work
  • imprisonment for up to six months

Don’t forget in some mitigating circumstances and depending on how strong the case in your favour the courts may show leniency in your sentencing. So act quickly and secure the services of UK’s Leading Drug Driving Solicitors London. Call us now on 020 3886 2340 for a free consultation or ‘Request a call back’ via our contact page.