The moment of being arrested on suspicion of drink driving is a blur of confusion, flashing blue lights, and profound fear. In the hours that follow, from the journey to the police station to the moment you are formally charged, it is easy to feel isolated, overwhelmed, and completely powerless. Your first instinct in this crisis is often to reach for your phone and search for help, typing in a phrase like “drink driving solicitors near me” in a desperate search for immediate support.

This instinct is the right one. The actions you take and the advice you receive in the first 24 hours after an arrest are absolutely critical and can shape the entire outcome of your case. This guide will walk you through that crucial period, explaining what is happening and the immediate, vital actions a specialist solicitor will take to protect you. At Motoring Defence, we understand the panic and urgency of this situation. Our national team of specialists is structured to provide that immediate, expert advice, acting as your local and accessible support from the moment you make that critical first call.

Phase 1: The Arrest and the Lifeline Phone Call (Hours 0-2)

Your Experience: You have been arrested at the roadside and are being transported to a police station. Your mind is racing with questions: What happens next? Will I lose my licence? Will I lose my job? The primary feeling is one of intense fear of the unknown.

Your Critical Action: Upon arrival at the police station, before any further procedures take place, you will be reminded of your right to free and independent legal advice. This is not a mere formality; it is your most important right. The single most important action you can take is to tell the police you wish to speak to a solicitor.

The Solicitor's Immediate Reassurance: This first phone call is your lifeline. An expert solicitor will immediately work to calm you down. They will explain exactly what is about to happen—the evidential breath test procedure—and will give you clear, simple advice on what to do. They will explain your rights and obligations, providing clarity in a moment of total confusion. When your search for drink driving solicitors near me connects you with the team at Motoring Defence, you get that instant, calming, and clear advice, 24/7, no matter where you are in the country.

Phase 2: The Police Station Procedure (Hours 2-8)

Your Experience: You are now at the station, likely waiting in a custody suite for the evidential breath test. The environment is intimidating, and you feel completely out of your depth.

The Solicitor's 'Remote' Presence: Although your solicitor is not physically in the room, the advice they have already given you acts as your shield. You now know what to expect from the breath test procedure and understand the importance of cooperating with the evidential test. While you are undergoing the procedure, your solicitor will have already made contact with the custody sergeant to confirm the details of your arrest and put the police on notice that they are now instructed to act for you.

After the Test: Once the procedure is complete, you will either be released pending further investigation or, more commonly, charged with an offence and given a date to attend court. You are then released, holding a charge sheet, and the reality of the situation begins to sink in. The initial panic might be replaced with a feeling of dread. This is when the support of the best drink driving solicitors near me becomes invaluable.

Phase 3: The Morning After – Building Your Defence (Hours 8-24)

Your Experience: You are now at home. The adrenaline has worn off, and the weight of the situation is immense. You have a court date looming and are filled with anxiety about the consequences for your family, your career, and your future.

The Solicitor's Action Plan: This is when the proactive defence begins. You will have a full, detailed consultation with your solicitor (often via a video call for speed and convenience). They will go through your detailed recollection of events, from start to finish. They will then explain the court process, the potential outcomes, and the initial defence strategy. Crucially, they will immediately send a formal letter to the police and Crown Prosecution Service demanding the initial disclosure of the evidence against you.

Expertise Over Proximity: In this phase, you will realise that the most important factor is not the solicitor’s postcode, but their expertise. The real work—analysing the technical evidence, identifying procedural flaws, and building a legal strategy—is what will save your licence. The drink driving solicitors near me you need are the ones with the deepest knowledge, not the closest office. The team at Motoring Defence will already be working to secure the evidence and formulate a strategy, providing you with a clear roadmap of the weeks ahead and giving you reassurance when you need it most.

In the critical hours after an arrest, you need immediate, accessible, and expert support. If you are searching for drink driving solicitors near me following an arrest, contact the national specialists at Motoring Defence now for that crucial, calming first conversation.