Drink Driving MGDDA Procedure

Have you checked the MGDDA document in your drink driving case? The MGDDA document is a crucial piece of evidence which may have been incorrectly completed. This page considers;

  • The MGDDA procedure
  • Common mistakes 
  • Drink driving defences

What is the MGDDA procedure? 

And why is it important? 

If you've been charged with drink driving there will be an alcohol reading above the prescribed limit. Most people assume that they're guilty of drink driving because they're over the limit, but this isn't always true. A breath reading alone will not prove a drink driving case in court. There is further evidence required before a conviction can be achieved. One of the most important pieces of evidence is the MGDDA document. This is a 20 page document which contains legal information to be given to a suspect during the breath test procedure. Often, due to staffing shortages, lack of training and police incompetence, the police will fail to correctly complete this document. If the MGDDA document is not completed correctly you may not have been given the correct legal information. If this were the case, the court WILL NOT convict you of drink driving.

By law, you are entitled to check the evidence against you. Any solicitor should be advising you to review the evidence to check if a defence applies. Note: defences can sometimes be hidden in obscure legal documents and procedural forms. You may not know you have a defence until you check the evidence.

Conor tells you more about the MGDDA procedure

 

As part of the MGDDA procedure, the police should ask you;

  1. For your name, address and occupation 
  2. About your consumption since you drove the vehicle
  3. About your consumption in the last 20 minutes 
  4. Whether you agree to provide a specimen of breath
  5. Whether you require a copy of the breath test printout 

Who are M.A.J Law?

M.A.J Law are a specialist team of driving defence solicitors. We represent clients charged with all motoring offences including drink driving, drug driving, failing to provide and speeding. Many of our cases are won on technical points of procedure. 

Our drink driving team would be pleased to discuss your options in detail. We can also confirm our fixed fee pricing structure with you. 

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