Loren Hills
Associate Chartered Legal Executive
Drug Driving Solicitors
If you’ve been accused of drug driving, you’ll need legal representation from experienced lawyers. Our specialist drug driving lawyers are here to provide clear, expert advice from the moment you contact us, helping you understand your options and what to expect next.
Whether you intend to plead guilty or challenge the allegation, we are here to support you and secure the best possible outcome.
How we help with a drug driving charge
Over many years of advising clients on drug driving offences, we have built strong professional relationships with highly respected forensic experts and experienced barristers. Where necessary, we instruct these specialists to analyse the prosecution evidence, identify weaknesses, and support your defence.
We understand that being arrested or charged can feel overwhelming. You may be worried about:
- The impact on your employment
- Loss of independence
- Financial consequences
- Effects on your family or professional reputation
Our team works closely with you to reduce uncertainty, explain each step, and build a tailored approach depending on whether you wish to admit the offence or dispute the allegation.
If you decide to accept the charge, we will work proactively to secure the most lenient sentence available.
If you dispute the allegation, we prepare your case for trial by:
- Forensically examining the prosecution’s evidence
- Checking compliance with police procedures
- Instructing expert toxicologists to review blood sample analysis
- Challenging issues such as contamination, delay, equipment reliability, or incorrect police procedure
We then ensure you are represented by an expert motoring law barrister at court.
Drug driving penalties
If you’re convicted of drug driving, you'll be disqualified from driving for at least 12 months.
Depending on your case, the court can impose a longer disqualification. The court will also order you to pay a fine, or complete a community order, or you in the most serious cases, you can be sent to prison.
If you’ve previously been convicted of drug driving, drink driving, driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs, or failing to provide a specimen in the last ten years, you'll be disqualified for a minimum of three years.
Drug driving limits
The law sets strict limits for specific controlled substances. If the level in your blood exceeds these limits, the offences is made out regardless of whether you felt impaired. You can also be prosecuted for driving or attempting to drive, or for being in charge of a motor vehicle while unfit.
| Controlled drug | Limit (microgrammes per litre of blood) |
| Benzoylecgonine | 50 |
| Clonazepam | 50 |
| Cocaine | 10 |
| Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol | 2 |
| Diazepam | 550 |
| Flunitrazepam | 300 |
| Ketamine | 20 |
| Lorazepam | 100 |
| Lysergic Acid Diethylamide | 1 |
| Methadone | 500 |
| Methylamphetamine | 10 |
| Methylenedioxymethamphetamine | 10 |
| 6-Monoacetylmorphine | 5 |
| Morphine | 80 |
| Oxazepam | 300 |
| Temazepam | 1000 |
Speak to our experts
We have the largest private client team in the UK; our team of experts are here to provide discreet legal advice to support you and your family.
We’re here to help
Complete our enquiry form and one of our experts will contact you by the next working day.
Alternatively, you can call us now.
Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm (Excluding Public Holidays).
0370 1500 100
How do the police prove I was drug driving?
The police must prove all the elements of the offence, and we'll review your case in detail and advise you on the strength of the evidence against you.
The police need to prove:
- Driving or attempting to drive, on a road or other public place
- That you had a specified control drug in your body
- The amount of the controlled drug in your body exceeded the specified limit.
If the police pull you over, you may be asked to complete a preliminary drug wipe. If the results of this are positive, the police will arrest you, take you back to a police station, and ask you to provide a specimen of blood or urine.
The police will then send this specimen to a laboratory for testing. If the results confirm you are over the specified limit of a controlled drug, you'll be charged with drug driving.
Our commitment to you
Our experts always start by listening, so we understand what matters most from day one.- 01Clear legal guidance
You will always get straightforward, honest advice, with regular updates to keep you clear on the way forward.
- 02Specialist knowledge
A wide-ranging team of trusted specialists who understand what it takes to protect your future, your family or your business.
- 03Your needs first
Whether you’re navigating complex personal situations or business decisions, we take the time to understand your world and what’s at stake.
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