Criminal proceedings after drunk driving

If you have been caught drink-driving, you are facing criminal proceedings that are not only associated with legal but also personal challenges. The consequences of a drink-driving offense can be considerable and range from fines and driving bans to points in Flensburg or even revocation of your driving license. As a lawyer, I support you in finding the best possible solution in your case and keeping the consequences as low as possible.

Course of the criminal proceedings

Criminal proceedings usually begin with a police check where a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.5 per mille or more is determined. For drivers under the age of 21 or in the probationary period, a 0.0 per mille limit already applies. If the police suspect drunk driving, a breath test is usually carried out. If you refuse the test or the value is above the permitted limit, the police can order a blood test.

Once the blood alcohol concentration has been determined and the investigation has been initiated, the case is forwarded to the public prosecutor's office. This decides whether to press charges or apply for a penalty order. A penalty order is a written judgment that is issued without a court hearing and often contains fines and driving bans. However, you have the option of lodging an appeal against the penalty order within two weeks.

Possible penalties and measures

The penalties for drink driving vary and depend on many factors, including the level of blood alcohol concentration, whether it is a first offense or a repeat offense, and whether the driving led to an accident. A first offense with a BAC between 0.5 and 1.09 per mille is usually punishable by a fine and a driving ban of one month. A BAC of 1.1 or more constitutes a criminal offense, which is punishable by a fine, a driving ban or the revocation of the driver's license.

In addition, a medical-psychological examination (MPU) and participation in retraining courses may be ordered. These measures serve to check your fitness to drive and restore your driving license. Especially in the case of repeat offenders and high blood alcohol levels, these examinations are often part of the requirements.

Your rights in criminal proceedings

As the person affected, you have the right to a fair defense. It is important to seek legal advice at an early stage in order to identify possible errors in the collection of evidence and to coordinate your defense strategy. In many cases, it is worth lodging an appeal against the penalty order in order to reduce the sentence or avoid having your driving license revoked.

An experienced lawyer can check whether the police check and the blood sample were carried out correctly. Errors in taking the blood sample or in informing you of your rights may mean that the evidence may not be used. The conduct of the police during the stop and possible procedural errors can also play a role.

How I can help you

My job is to comprehensively analyze your situation and identify the best defense options. Together with you, I will develop a strategy that is tailored to the circumstances of your case. Whether it's about reducing your sentence, obtaining your driver's license or dealing with an MPU - I will be at your side at all stages of the proceedings.

I will guide you through the entire process, inform you of your rights and take care of communication with the authorities. The aim is to make the best possible use of your legal options and bring the criminal proceedings to a close as smoothly as possible for you. Contact me for an initial consultation so that we can discuss your situation together and take the right steps.

With my support, you will always know what to expect and can be sure that your interests will be represented in the best possible way. Whether you are a first-time offender or a repeat offender, a competent defense is the key to securing your future as a road user.