First thing first, there are many scenarios that can render you to be caught, and everyone’s encounter or experience is different. My Brother has a friend, one night both the men had 2 bottles of red wine 14% alcohol each bottle. After that , his friend decided to drive ( bad bad idea) they were unlucky and met with an road block. Smelling like alcohol, the Traffic Police asked the driver to take the breath test. He took it unwillingly, but STRANGELY, no alcohol was found. He was sober and able to walk straight and was cooperative throughout. The TP let him off. I guess they were super duper lucky, because on a normal case, TP can also request that you go to the nearest hospital for clinic to draw blood.

There are many stories I will say. But the worst type will be when you are totally unaware and argue with the TP. For my case, I was just unaware and totally lost consciousness. That was how bad it was. This is the worst, because you cannot fight anything if you DO NOT remember a single thing.

Usually if you are caught on the spot, you will be issued with a summon, and the TP will take down all your information and subsequently follow up with an official summon letter. Depending on how serious the case is, you will be requested to assist investigation at TP HQ in Ubi Ave 3. The court hearing will follow after that. The number of charges will also depend on the level of serious with which the whole situation was engaged. If you were still sober then, likely you will just need to be present at court 21 on a Thursday morning for the hearing. Standard package is after the judge reads the sentence, he or she will ask whether you plead guilty or not. If you insist to fight on the case, be very sure that you have real good reasons for drink driving. In any case, the best that you do is IF YOU DRANK, be a man and face it. Admit it and plead for leniency, that means you admit and show your remorse, and ask the judge for lenient sentence ( lower number of days of suspension), lower fine etc.

Depending on the case, you might want to engage a lawyer if your charges are severe and too many ( like 3 and above charges). Be very sure that during the hearing procedures you are always cooperative and remorseful. DO NOT dishonor the judge by questioning back, you can be charged for other items for that. Be civil and keep your emotions at bay.   Just remember that now you are the one at fault and do not try to be funny challenging the law.

Engaging a lawyer has its perks and low downs. Of course you must ensure that you have enough funds to engage them, basic lawyer fees is at least a five figure. You will not be able to avoid the sentence and there is no guarantee to be pardoned from the fines and imprisonment. If you wish to appeal after the sentence is being passed. Then more lawyer fees will be involved.

Some lawyers are however, very knowledgeable and not out to “cheat “ your money, will be able to give you very sound advice and moves on how to face and tackle the whole situation. As such, do check around first before engaging in one of them.