Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Drugs

If you are found to be incapable of driving after consuming alcohol, you risk the withdrawal of your driving license. This can occur even with small amounts of alcohol in your blood if accompanied by alcohol-related impairments. In such a situation, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a lawyer specializing in traffic law. The same rules, of course, apply to drugs in road traffic. 

Generally, in Germany, a blood alcohol limit of 0.5 per mille (‰) applies. If you are caught with such a blood alcohol level during a check, you will not face criminal charges – unless you have committed an alcohol-related driving error, such as running a red light or causing a traffic accident. In such cases, what is known as relative incapacity to drive may already be present from 0.3 per mille (‰). Absolute incapacity to drive, by the way, is established at 1.1 per mille (‰). In this instance, the driving license will always be confiscated by the court and typically withheld for at least 12 months.

If alcohol has been detected in your blood during a police check, do not hesitate to contact us. Often, your driving license can still be saved, especially if you rely on it for your profession. 

So-called 'soft' drugs, such as cannabis, cause impairments very similar to those associated with alcohol, but there is no specific blood alcohol limit for them. Anyone caught driving under the influence of drugs commits a traffic offense, in addition to a criminal offense under the Narcotics Act (BtMG). Under fine law, any influence of drugs while driving is penalized (even if no accident occurs).

However, if you endanger road traffic while under the influence of drugs, it constitutes a criminal offense. The court will determine whether you will be subject to a fine or a prison sentence. Additionally, three points will be added to your central traffic register record, and your driving license will be revoked for at least six months.

In such cases, it is best to seek legal advice immediately. Our experienced traffic law attorneys provide prompt, comprehensive, and discreet assistance.

• Have you been stopped by the police for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs?
• Did an alcohol test and/or drug test yield a positive result?

Here, interested parties can find a good overview of, among other things, the following questions:

• What is the blood alcohol limit in Germany?
• What penalties can I expect if I am caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
• Is alcohol consumption during the probationary driving period considered a serious offense (A-Verstoß)?
• How to behave during a traffic stop?

You can find the guide at: www.bussgeldkatalog.org/alkohol-drogen/

Process and Support

• Initial consultation with agreement on the next steps for your person
• Access to case files (only possible through a lawyer)
• In-depth consultation after inspection of files 

Goals and Prospects of Success

• Determination of the defense strategy
• Dismissal of proceedings.
• Mitigation of the sentence

Time Commitment and Duration of Proceedings

• The duration of criminal proceedings is largely determined by the investigating authorities and the competent courts

Costs and Fees

• An initial consultation for consumers is available for a maximum of Euro 190.00 plus statutory value-added tax.
• Further, including written, consultation and representation depending on the scope, complexity, and significance for the client.
• If necessary, flat-rate fee agreement for individual stages of the procedure with early assessment of the expected cost risk