DR20 Conviction

A DR20 conviction code is issued when a driver is found guilty of driving or attempting to drive while unfit through drink, which differs from being over the legal alcohol limit.

What Is A DR20 Conviction Code?

The DR20 offence code specifically applies to situations where the driver may not necessarily be above the prescribed alcohol limit but is deemed unfit to operate a vehicle safely due to alcohol consumption. This assessment is typically made by the police officer who has stopped the driver, based on their judgement of the level of impairment observed. The key distinction between a DR20 and a DR10 conviction is that DR10 relates to driving above the legal alcohol limit, whilst DR20 concerns being unfit to drive regardless of whether the limit has been exceeded.

If you have received a DR20 conviction code, you are facing serious consequences that will affect your driving privileges and potentially your livelihood. 

At Caddick Davies, we understand the complexities surrounding DR20 convictions and have extensive experience helping motorists navigate these challenging circumstances. Our specialist motoring solicitors provide expert legal representation for drivers across England and Wales who are dealing with drink-related driving offences.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Talk to Caddick Davies Solicitors today

Use our contact page to send us a message or call us on 0333 443 2366 for a friendly chat.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

What Penalties Does A DR20 Conviction Carry?

A DR20 conviction results in 3-11 penalty points on your driving licence, which remain for 11 years from the date of conviction, along with a mandatory minimum 12-month driving disqualification.

The severity of the penalties depends on the circumstances of your case and the level of impairment assessed by the courts. In addition to the driving ban and penalty points, the court may impose additional penalties including:

• Financial penalties (fines)
• Community orders
• Custodial sentences of up to 6 months in serious cases

The conviction will also appear on your criminal record, though it becomes ‘spent’ after 5 years under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This means you must declare the conviction to insurance companies for the full 11-year period it remains on your driving licence.

How Does A DR20 Conviction Affect Car Insurance?

Drivers with a DR20 conviction will face significantly higher insurance premiums, as insurers consider them a higher risk, and must declare the conviction when obtaining quotes.

Insurance companies view drink-driving convictions as serious offences that indicate increased risk. Failure to disclose a DR20 conviction when applying for car insurance will invalidate your policy and could result in further legal consequences if discovered. Many standard insurers may refuse to provide cover, making it necessary to seek specialist convicted driver insurance providers who can offer competitive quotes for drivers with drink-driving endorsements.

Can You Challenge A DR20 Conviction?

Yes, there are several potential defences and legal arguments that can be used to challenge a DR20 conviction, including procedural failures by police and special reasons arguments.

Our specialist motoring solicitors at Caddick Davies examine every aspect of your case to identify potential defences, which may include:

Procedural Defences

Police officers must follow strict procedures when conducting drink-driving investigations. Any failures in these statutory procedures could provide grounds for challenging the prosecution. We scrutinise the circumstances of your arrest and the methods used by police to gather evidence.

Post-Driving Consumption Defence

If you consumed alcohol after driving but before being tested, this could affect the validity of the charges against you. This defence requires careful examination of the timeline and circumstances surrounding your case.

Special Reasons Arguments

Special reasons allow courts to impose reduced penalties or avoid disqualification in exceptional circumstances. Examples include situations where drinks were laced without your knowledge, emergency driving circumstances, or driving very short distances away from other road users.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Talk to Caddick Davies Solicitors today

Use our contact page to send us a message or call us on 0333 443 2366 for a friendly chat.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

The Long-Term Impact Of A DR20 Conviction

A DR20 conviction has lasting consequences beyond the immediate penalties, affecting employment opportunities, travel arrangements, and insurance costs for many years.

Understanding the full impact helps you make informed decisions about your case:

Employment Implications

Many employers require disclosure of driving convictions, particularly for roles involving company vehicles or professional driving. The conviction may affect career prospects in certain industries, making legal representation even more crucial to minimise the impact where possible.

Travel Restrictions

Some countries may refuse entry to individuals with drink-driving convictions. The United States, Canada, and Australia have particularly strict policies regarding visitors with criminal records, which could affect business or leisure travel plans.

Financial Impact

Beyond increased insurance premiums, the conviction may affect your ability to obtain credit or mortgages, as some financial institutions consider criminal convictions when assessing applications.

Other Drink Driving Offence Codes

This guide to drink driving offence codes explains how UK alcohol-related motoring offences are classified by the DVLA and the courts, covering the main DR codes (e.g. DR10, DR20, DR30, DR31), the “in charge” offences (DR40–DR61), and death-related codes (CD40–CD70).

It outlines typical penalties such as disqualification, penalty points, fines and possible imprisonment, the potential longer-term impacts on insurance and employment, and how Caddick Davies can help motorists facing these charges.

Why Choose Caddick Davies for DR20 Legal Representation?

We are recognised as one of England and Wales’ leading specialist motoring law firms, with an established reputation for successfully defending motoring prosecutions and minimising penalties for our clients.

Our specialist approach to motoring law means we deal exclusively with road traffic cases, giving us unrivalled expertise in this complex area of law. We have successfully represented thousands of motorists in courts across England and Wales, securing the best possible outcomes for our clients through our extensive knowledge and experience.

National Coverage with Fixed Fee Structure

We provide representation at courts throughout England and Wales, from small local courts to major road traffic courts. Our fixed fee structure means you know exactly what your legal representation will cost from the outset, with no hidden charges or unexpected costs. Our fees begin from £300 plus VAT, making specialist legal representation accessible to all motorists.

Media Recognition and Professional Standing

We are regularly asked to comment on motoring law matters by leading media sources including the BBC, ITV, Sky News, The Times, and The Guardian. Senior Partner Neil Davies has a regular advice column in Auto Express Magazine, demonstrating our recognised expertise in this field. We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and maintain the highest professional standards.

How We Help Clients Facing DR20 Convictions

We provide comprehensive legal services including case assessment, defence preparation, court representation, and mitigation strategies to secure the best possible outcome for your circumstances.

When you instruct Caddick Davies, our motoring solicitors will:

Initial Case Assessment

We offer a free initial telephone consultation where you can discuss your case with one of our specialist motoring solicitors. During this consultation, we provide an honest assessment of your case and the likelihood of success based on our vast experience of dealing with similar matters.

Evidence Examination

Our team conducts thorough examinations of all evidence in your case, including police procedures, testing methods, and witness statements. We may instruct third-party experts, such as forensic specialists or toxicologists, where appropriate to support your defence.

Court Representation

If your case proceeds to court, our specialist motoring barristers and solicitors provide expert representation. We prepare strong evidential defence arguments and present mitigation that can result in courts applying leniency with penalties, often securing lesser penalties than standard guidelines suggest.

Taking Action: Your Next Steps

If you are facing a DR20 conviction, immediate action is essential to protect your interests and explore all available legal options.

Time is often crucial in motoring cases, particularly if you wish to challenge procedural aspects of your case or gather evidence to support special reasons arguments. We recommend contacting our specialist team as soon as possible after being charged or convicted to discuss your options.

Our experienced motoring solicitors understand the stress and uncertainty that accompanies drink-driving charges. We provide clear, honest advice about your prospects and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your individual circumstances. Whether you need representation for a court hearing, advice on appeal options, or assistance with licence restoration, Caddick Davies has the expertise to help.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Talk to Caddick Davies Solicitors today

Use our contact page to send us a message or call us on 0333 443 2366 for a friendly chat.

____________________________________________________________________________________________