
Defence
Drug in Charge Defence Specialists
Being accused of being in charge of a vehicle while over the legal drug limit can be stressful and confusing. Even if you were not driving, you may face penalty points, disqualification, fines or custody in serious cases.
With a team of experienced Motoring Offences specialists, Ashmans Solicitors is here to assist if:
- You’re under investigation or facing charges for being in charge of a vehicle while over the drug limit.
- You want the evidence against you properly challenged.
- You need strategic defence from a determined but understanding motoring law team.
With Ashmans, you do not have to face the case alone. We stand beside you and work to protect your position from the start.
Drug in Charge and the Law
Under Section 5A(1)(b) of the Road Traffic Act 1988, it is an offence to be in charge of a motor vehicle while over the prescribed drug limit, even if you were not driving at the time.
- Having control of the vehicle, such as possessing keys or being seated inside.
- Intending to drive or being capable of doing so.
- Being in proximity to the vehicle in circumstances suggesting potential use.
- Was in charge of the vehicle at the time of the alleged offence.
- Had a proportion of drugs in their system exceeding legal limits.
- Did not have a reasonable likelihood of avoiding driving while impaired.
Investigations usually involve the police and, where charged, the CPS. Evidence may include blood or urine test results, key possession, witness statements, CCTV, custody records and police procedure logs.
A conviction can lead to penalty points, disqualification, a fine or custody in serious cases. Our Drug in Charge Solicitors examine the evidence, testing process and circumstances around whether you were likely to drive.
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Discover related offences, articles, FAQs, and case results within this practice area.
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Essential actions against accusations
From the moment you are stopped by police or accused of being in charge of a vehicle while over the drug limit, your response can affect the case. Follow these steps:
Act fast, engage Ashmans, protect your future.
Do not discuss the incident with others or post about it online. Anything said may later be used as evidence.
Even if you believe you have done nothing wrong, do not give statements or answer detailed questions without legal advice.
With 24/7 availability, Ashmans Solicitors can provide urgent legal guidance and representation when needed.
Keep receipts, messages, travel details or witness information that may show you were not intending to drive.
If bail conditions are imposed, comply fully and allow your solicitor to guide your defence strategy.
How It Works
Three Simple Steps
to Your Defence
01
Initial Consultation
One of our specialist motoring defence solicitors will speak with you to review your defence options.
02
Strategic Defence Planning
We analyse the prosecution evidence to build a strong defence strategy.
03
Expert Legal Representation
We represent you in court and challenge unreliable evidence where appropriate.
Our Testimonials
Real stories. Real results.
See how Ashmans has supported clients facing Drug in Charge allegations and other Motoring Offences.
Successful Defence Preserved My Livelihood
Remarkable Professionalism and Support in My Case
Outstanding Representation in Motoring Case
Outstanding Legal Representation and Case Dismissal
Extraordinary Defence and Compassionate Support
Brilliant Support and Genuine Care
Outstanding Guidance and Professional Support
Remarkable Support and Guidance in My Motoring Case
Outstanding Support from Start to Finish
Extraordinary Support from Start to Finish
Professional and Responsive Legal Support
Outstanding Support During a Difficult Time
Remarkable Support and Professionalism
Remarkable Legal Expertise and Life Changing Outcome
Remarkable Representation and a Winning Outcome
Reassuring Guidance During My Motoring Case
Confident Representation and Genuine Support
Exceptional Support Throughout My Motoring Case
Remarkable Support During a Devastating Ordeal
Reliable and Professional Legal Support
Drug in Charge
The Ashmans Approach
At Ashmans, we prepare practical Drug in Charge defence focused on your licence, evidence and record.
01
Police Interviews
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- Advise you before answering police questions.
- Attend interviews with you where needed.
- Reduce the risk of harmful or unclear statements.
02
Bail Conditions and Modification
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- Review restrictions for fairness and necessity.
- Apply for variations where conditions affect your livelihood.
- Advise on compliance while the defence is prepared
03
Pre-Charge Engagement
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- Present evidence to the CPS where appropriate.
- Challenge weak or unreliable drug testing.
- Seek early resolution where the evidence supports it.
04
Drug in Charge Specific Orders
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- Advise on the risk of disqualification.
- Prepare evidence on special reasons or reduced penalties where relevant.
- Challenge procedural errors or forensic handling issues.
05
Trial Representation
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- Challenge police procedure, timing and laboratory evidence.
- Use expert toxicology evidence where needed.
- Present evidence showing no likelihood of driving where available.
06
Sentencing & Post-Conviction
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- Present mitigation to reduce sentence impact.
- Highlight relevant personal, medical or case-specific factors.
- Advise on appeal or post-conviction options where appropriate.
Our Notable Cases
Serious charges, successful results.
Our Drug in Charge Solicitors have represented clients facing serious Motoring Offences. See examples of our work and outcomes.
Dangerous Driving Allegation Involving Police Officer Successfully Reduced
Exceptional Hardship Defence Saves Doctor’s Driving Licence
Sentence Reduced in Historic Sexual Offences
Historic Sexual Abuse Allegations – Justice Secured
Unanimous Acquittal in Festival Consent Allegation
Credibility Challenged, Charges Reduced in Complex Domestic Case
Strategic Defence Secures Justice for Wrongly Accused Businessman
Revenge Attack Charge Reduced: Successful Defence
Conspiracy to Murder: A Complex Acquittal
Acquittal in High-Stakes Conspiracy to Murder Case
Acquittal in High-Profile Leeds Murder Investigation
Charges Reduced Through Strategic Defence
Wrongly Accused: Armed Robbery Charges Dismissed
Strategic Defence Secures Discontinuation in Fatal Collision Case
Exoneration in High-Stakes Armed Robbery Allegation
Forged Titles and Negotiated Justice
Logistics Fraud Defence: Suspended Sentence Secured
Fraud by False Representation – Local Councillor Case
Conspiracy to Commit Fraud Involving Forged Cheques
Acquittal Secured in £40 Million Mortgage Fraud Case
Urgent Legal Assistance
Get Urgent
Legal Support Today
Do not lose valuable time. Contact our Motoring Defence Solicitors for urgent legal guidance.
- Expert defence against drug driving and motoring offence allegations.
- Responsive 24/7 legal support when it matters most.
- Strategic defence solutions tailored to your case.
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