DR30 Conviction
A DR30 conviction is the endorsement code for driving or attempting to drive then failing to supply a specimen for analysis when requested by police. This serious motoring offence carries a minimum 12-month driving disqualification, 3-11 penalty points, and stays on your licence for 11 years from conviction date.
However, DR30 charges can be successfully defended through reasonable excuse defences or by challenging police procedures during the specimen request process. Medical conditions including respiratory problems, mental health conditions, and needle phobia can constitute reasonable excuses when properly presented with expert medical evidence. Police must follow strict statutory procedures, and any procedural failures can result in case dismissal.
We specialise in defending DR30 cases and can help build the strongest possible defence for your circumstances, operating on fixed-fee terms with costs starting from £300 plus VAT and providing nationwide representation across England and Wales.
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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.
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What Is a DR30 Conviction?
A DR30 conviction occurs when you are found guilty of driving or attempting to drive, then failing to provide a specimen for analysis when lawfully required to do so by police officers. This specimen can be breath, blood, or urine, and the failure to provide it without reasonable excuse constitutes a serious motoring offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
The DR30 conviction code specifically applies when you have been driving or attempting to drive, as opposed to simply being in charge of a vehicle. This distinction is crucial as it determines the severity of penalties you face. We understand the complexities of DR30 cases and can examine every aspect of your situation to identify potential defences.
What Penalties Do DR30 Convictions Carry?
DR30 convictions carry severe penalties including a mandatory minimum 12-month driving disqualification, 3-11 penalty points on your licence, and an unlimited fine or up to 6 months imprisonment. The conviction remains on your driving record for 11 years from the date of conviction, making it one of the most serious motoring endorsements.
The courts take DR30 offences extremely seriously because they are treated similarly to drink driving offences. The mandatory disqualification cannot be reduced through exceptional hardship arguments, unlike totting-up disqualifications. However, special reasons may apply in specific circumstances, which our specialist motoring solicitors can assess for your case.
Duration of DR30 Convictions on Your Licence
DR30 convictions stay on your driving licence for 11 years from the date of conviction, not the date of the offence. This extended period reflects the serious nature of the offence and affects insurance premiums throughout this time. The conviction also appears on your criminal record for five years before becoming spent.
Can You Defend Against DR30 Charges?
Yes, DR30 charges can be defended successfully through reasonable excuse defences or by challenging police procedures during the specimen request process. We have extensive experience in identifying and presenting viable defences that have resulted in acquittals or case dismissals for our clients.
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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.
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What Constitutes a Reasonable Excuse for DR30 Cases?
A reasonable excuse must demonstrate either physical or mental incapacity to provide the specimen, supported by medical evidence and showing a direct causative link between the condition and the failure to provide. Courts apply strict criteria when evaluating reasonable excuse defences, established in DPP v Crofton.
The three essential elements for a reasonable excuse defence are:
- Evidence of physical or mental incapability
- Medical evidence supporting the claimed condition
- Causative link between the condition and specimen failure
Medical Conditions That May Constitute Reasonable Excuses
Common medical conditions we have successfully used in reasonable excuse defences include:
- Respiratory conditions such as asthma or reduced lung capacity
- Mental health conditions including anxiety, panic attacks, or PTSD
- Needle phobia for blood specimen requests
- Confusion or inability to understand procedures
- Hypoglycaemia or other metabolic conditions
Each case requires expert medical evidence to establish the causative link between the condition and the inability to provide a specimen. We work with leading medical experts who understand the legal requirements for reasonable excuse defences.
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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.
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How Do Police Procedures Affect DR30 Cases?
Police must follow strict statutory procedures when requesting specimens, and any procedural failures can result in case dismissal or acquittal. We meticulously examine the police evidence to identify procedural errors that could undermine the prosecution case.
Key Procedural Requirements for Specimen Requests
Police officers must ensure they have followed proper procedures including:
- Providing clear warnings about prosecution consequences
- Following correct breath test machine operations
- Allowing reasonable attempts to provide specimens
- Properly documenting any equipment malfunctions
- Ensuring specimen containers are properly sealed and stored
Any deviation from these procedures can provide grounds for defending the case. We examine all documentation, including custody records, breath test printouts, and officer statements to identify potential procedural failures.
What Should You Do If Charged with DR30?
Contact our specialist motoring solicitors for drink driving offences immediately upon being charged with DR30, as early intervention can significantly improve your defence prospects and help preserve crucial evidence for your case. Time is critical in DR30 cases, particularly when medical evidence is required for reasonable excuse defences.
Immediate Steps After DR30 Charges
The steps you should take immediately include:
- Avoid discussing the case with anyone except your solicitor
- Gather any relevant medical records or documentation
- Note down your recollection of events while fresh in memory
- Preserve any evidence of medical conditions or circumstances
The serious nature of DR30 convictions demands specialist legal representation from solicitors who understand the intricacies of this complex area of law. We are here to fight your corner and have the expertise, experience, and commitment to secure the best possible outcome for your circumstances. Contact us today for your free initial consultation on 03334 432 366 and take the first step towards protecting your driving licence and future.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
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.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Other Drink Driving Offence Codes
Our guide to drink driving offence codes explains how the DVLA and courts classify alcohol-related motoring offences in the UK. It sets out the key DR codes (such as DR10 for driving above the limit, DR20 for driving while unfit, DR30 for failing to provide, and DR31 for refusing blood analysis), the “in charge” offences (DR40–DR61), and the death-related CD codes (CD40–CD70), with typical penalties including disqualification, penalty points, fines, and possible imprisonment. The page also highlights the longer-term consequences for insurance, employment, and travel, and how specialist solicitors at Caddick Davies can help motorists facing these allegations.
Why Choose Caddick Davies for DR30 Defence?
We are recognised as the UK’s leading motoring law specialists with over 10,000 cases handled and extensive experience defending DR30 prosecutions across England and Wales. Our expertise in this complex area of law allows us to identify defences that other solicitors might miss and secure the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Our approach to DR30 cases involves:
- Comprehensive case review within 24 hours of instruction
- Expert medical witness coordination when needed
- Thorough examination of police procedures and evidence
- Strategic defence planning tailored to your circumstances
- Fixed-fee representation with no hidden costs
Our Track Record in DR30 Cases
We have successfully defended hundreds of DR30 cases through various strategies including reasonable excuse defences, procedural challenges, and special reasons arguments. Our clients have avoided disqualifications, had charges dropped, or received significantly reduced penalties through our expert representation.
How Much Do DR30 Defence Services Cost?
We operate on fixed-fee terms for DR30 defence, with costs starting from £300 plus VAT, ensuring you know exactly what you will pay with no hidden charges or unexpected costs. Many clients are surprised to discover that specialist motoring solicitor representation is more affordable than they expected.
Legal Aid and Funding Options
Legal aid may be available for DR30 cases depending on your financial circumstances and the complexity of your case. We can advise on funding options including:
- Legal aid eligibility assessment
- Flexible payment terms
- Private funding arrangements
- After-the-event insurance options
Our transparent fee structure means you can budget for your defence with confidence, and we will never accept your case unless we believe there are genuine prospects of achieving a positive outcome.
Geographic Coverage for DR30 Cases
We provide nationwide representation for DR30 cases in magistrates’ courts and crown courts across England and Wales, ensuring expert motoring law representation regardless of where your case is being heard. Our extensive court coverage includes major cities and local courts throughout the country.
We regularly represent clients in courts including Liverpool, London, Leeds, Birmingham, Cardiff, Manchester, Newcastle, and many other locations. Our familiarity with different courts and magistrates helps us tailor our approach to local practices and preferences.