A prominent solicitor in Inverness is urging the government to introduce a rehabilitation and educational programme for individuals caught driving under the influence of drugs, mirroring the existing system for drink-drivers.
At present, sheriffs have the authority to recommend individuals found guilty of drink-driving to participate in a self-financed drink-drive rehabilitation course. Successful completion of this programme can lead to a 25% reduction in their driving ban. However, no equivalent programme exists for those found driving with drugs in their system.
This issue came to the forefront when solicitor advocate Neil Wilson represented a client, Stuart Mackenzie of Birchfield Court, Inverness, who was apprehended by the police for driving with traces of cannabis and cocaine metabolites in his system in Avoch on 18th July 2022. Mackenzie admitted to both charges. While his cannabis levels were slightly above the permissible limit of 2mcgs with a reading of 2.4mcgs, his cocaine derivative levels were alarmingly over five times the allowed limit, registering at 280mcgs against the threshold of 50mcgs. Consequently, Mackenzie faced a fine of £640 and received a one-year driving ban.
Highlighting the gap in the current system, Mr Wilson stated, “I’ve previously voiced in court that if a drug-driving rehabilitation course were available, I’d recommend my client for it. Such a course would not only potentially reduce the duration of his ban but also educate him on the duration drugs remain detectable in one’s system.”
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
