Exceptional Circumstances for Driving Under the Influence

If you have been pulled over for driving while intoxicated, don’t panic. Sometimes there are special circumstances that can result in possibly avoiding a blotch on your driving record or even avoiding a ban. This can be especially helpful in a case that seems to lack a good legal defense. Here are a few instances where special reasons would apply.

If there is an emergency that arose and you have no choice but to drive even though you might be over the limit, this may be a good defense for you. An example of a valid emergency is taking yourself or someone else to the hospital. Numerous drink driving cases were won due to emergency situations.

Another example of an emergency that is classified as a special reason is in the event you felt that you were in imminent danger and life threatening, driving away from the danger, even though drunk can be a plausible defense. Evidence must be shown that the threat was real and the only way out of the dangerous situation is by driving.

There are also times when exceptions are made if you are only driving a short distance. It would be advisable to walk instead; however, if circumstances are particularly urgent, then this could be a plausible defense for your case. The key is making sure the short drive poses as no actual threat to the general public.

One other special circumstance is if your drink was spiked with alcohol or the alcohol content of the drink was much more than you were originally led to believe. This can cause the reading from the breathalyzer to go beyond the legal limit. However, a calculation can made factored in to determine the true reading without the added alcohol. If the true reading falls below the limit, then your solicitor may have a good defense for your case.

In order for special reasons to be used as a defense, you would need to first plead guilty of the charge of drunk driving, then your solicitor will offer the court your special reason defense. It is best to consult with your solicitor before taking any action or giving a formal statement to the police. Give all the details of your case to your solicitor openly and honestly. This will allow your drink driving solicitor to give you the best defense for your case.