Family member in trouble and I don't know how serious it is likely to get

[muddiecuddles]

My SIL (DH's sister) has been having a tough time recently and she had a car accident while drunk. She was also apparently texting. She crashed into a parked car and both cars were written off. She got a bump on her head but noone else was hurt thank God. It could have been so much worse.

From what I understand she wasn't breathalysed at the scene by the police, and had no blood taken at the hospital, but a urine test confirmed that she was over the legal limit of alcohol.

It is such a sensitive subject and DH finds it hard to talk about it. He is so upset and disappointed in her. But she has young children and responsibilities and I have no idea how best to support her or him.

I'm just wondering if anyone with a legal background could give me an idea of what is likely to happen and what the best / worst outcomes in cases like this are. Thanks

I should add that when I say best outcome I mean for her, legally, in terms of sentencing. She is seeking help and counselling for her alcohol addiction.

How many times over the limit was she? Its likely s driving ban, fine and maybe an ATR

I don't know how much over the limit she was. What's an ATR? (sorry)

Without knowing the actual urine reading it is impossible to predict what she might get for that. It could be anything from a fine and 12 months disqualification up to 6 months in prison (which might be suspended) and 3 years disqualification. That assumes this is a first offence.

The penalty for using a mobile phone while driving is a fine of £200 and 6 points. However, she could be charged with driving without due care and attention in which case, on the information you have given, I would expect her to get a band C fine (150% of weekly income) plus either a disqualification or 7-9 points.

She won't go to prison, but she will lose her licence and get a hefty five.

ATR is an Alcohol Treatment Requirement that the courts sometimes sentence offenders to if part of their plea is an alcohol addiction. It involves engaging with an alcohol programme with a local alcohol service.
Again it depends on reading and circumstances.

Based purely on my friends ex, he lost his licence for 12 months and paid a £1000 or so fine, he also had 6 points on his licence when he got it back the first time, the second time he was sent to prison for 6 months but that was because he hit and ran, third time he killed him self - car vs tree, lovely chap as you can tell