The legal limit of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath is 35 micro-grams. It’s this reading which can hugely affect the sentence which may be given. To determine the level of alcohol in the systems investigations may require a blood or urine sample. In cases where the reading is low, the likely sentence is a fine. However, at the other end of the spectrum a Community Order can be passed, possibly including a curfew, or probation order. The breath test reading will also affect the length of any driving ban which is passed.

Where the breath reading goes over 120 milligrams the Courts will consider a prison sentence and will also consider factors such as whether passengers were present, if there was an accident and any previous offences of Drink Driving.

Death by dangerous driving is the most serious driving offence as it occurs when death is caused by an act of dangerous driving. Dangerous driving is where a person drives on a road or public place and the standard of driving falls so far below the standard expected of a motorist that a normal, reasonable person would consider it to be dangerous.