I screwed up big time...

[DNS]

Was done for drunk in charge of a motor vehicle last night.

I'd had a huge row with my missus and needed some time to myself, so sat in the car on our private "ten-foot" behind the house and cracked open a few cans.

Very long story cut short, I was nicked and blew a positive specimen so spent the night in the cells. Was stunned to find that I could be done for being drunk in charge of my own car, on our own property.

Apparently, because there's no gate, it's not considered "private land".

Has anyone been in this situation? I'm feeling very very screwed right now.

[Ziggy]

Its a joke if you ask me. You can also be done for having your keys on you while not near your car if your drunk. As you are intending to drive.

Truely gutted for you and just hope that a judge will see sense.
I would also get yourself down to CAB

[paulhb]

If you are drunk with car keys close to your motor I believe you can be done sorry about what's happened to you mate

[MrDerv]

The police will argue that you are in posession of your keys, sat in your car, in the drivers seat, and under the influence. That's not to say you would have driven, but the way the police look at it is you are under the influence, and intending to drive. Really, they shouldn't take action unless you've actually attempted to drive it, but it would be seen as taking preventitive measures to avoid a potential accident.

Sorry Bud, go for a walk next time you have an argument. Speak to the CAB to see where you stand with it

[keith1983]

How did the police come to be there in the first place?

[DNS]

Thanks lads.

I've spoken to a driving conviction specialist online and he's said that the penalty for "drunk in charge" is far less than "driving under influence". Very relieved, but could still end up with a 6 month ban.

I just have to hope that my good (asides from a drunk and disorderly fine years ago) record, clean license and the effects that it will have on my employment will just get me the minimum 10 points. All now lands in the hands of a judge I guess.

Stupid thing is the coppers said they arrested me cos the engine was running and the brake lights were on... Well the engine was on because it was about 5 degrees last night and I needed the heating, and the brake lights were on because there's no foot rest for the right foot in a Vectra...

Gutted.

[chewy71]

Strange isn't it,.. being charged for a crime they think you are about to commit! Guilty until proven innocent! Bad new fella, really bad news, and as Keith says,... how did the police happen to be there?

ah,... engine running,... hmmmmm

[DNS]

Strange isn't it,.. being charged for a crime they think you are about to commit!

I felt like saying "well I couldn't commit a crime because someone has blocked me in with a police Volvo V70 T5...

[keith1983]

I'm not trying to stir anything up here but if I was a copper and could see someone sat in a car with the engine running drinking from a bottle/can then I can see why they had a look. And regardless of intentions anyone in that position would say that ofcourse they weren't going to drive the car. Sorry to be pessimistic mate. All the best with getting it sorted.

[chewy71]

Have to say,.. engine running you cannot blame the Police for this.