DUI in Germany – English-speaking drunk driving lawyer in Frankfurt
Stopped for drink or drug driving in Germany – what to do now
You have been stopped by the police in Germany for drink or drug driving? You are facing a driving ban, high fines or even a criminal investigation? As English-speaking criminal defence lawyers in Frankfurt we regularly defend foreign drivers, tourists and expats in DUI and traffic offence cases.
On this page we explain what you should do immediately, which consequences are typical and how we can help you.
A police stop or an accident is stressful, especially in a foreign country. Nevertheless, a few basic rules are very important:
- 🟢 You do not have to answer questions about how much you drank or took.
- 🔵 You should not sign documents that you do not understand.
- 🟣 You can insist on speaking to a lawyer before giving any statement.
- 🟡 You should keep all documents handed out by the police.
In serious cases – for example after an accident with injuries or very high alcohol levels – a criminal investigation is initiated. Then you should contact a defence lawyer as soon as possible. Further information on the criminal procedure can be found here: German criminal procedure.
Legal consequences of DUI in Germany
Depending on the alcohol level, prior convictions and the concrete circumstances (accident, injuries, dangerous driving), drink or drug driving can lead to:
- 🟢 Fines and costs for proceedings.
- 🔵 Driving bans and withdrawal of your driving licence.
- 🟣 Criminal conviction with an entry in the German criminal record.
- 🟡 In serious cases, suspended or even immediate prison sentences.
Even if you live abroad, a German conviction can have consequences for your driving licence and insurance at home. We take this into account when planning the defence and, where necessary, cooperate with colleagues in your home country.
Consequences for foreign drivers, tourists and expats
As a foreign driver you are often particularly concerned about:
- 🟢 Whether you may continue to drive in Germany or in the EU.
- 🔵 Whether a German driving ban affects your foreign licence.
- 🟣 Whether you have to appear in person in court or can be represented by a lawyer.
- 🟡 How a conviction may affect your residence status, visa or job.
We explain your options in clear English and discuss with you which strategy is realistic. On our page General criminal defence in Germany you will find additional information on typical situations for foreign nationals.
How we defend you in DUI and traffic offence cases
Our defence starts with a precise analysis of the case file: How was the stop carried out? Were tests conducted correctly? Are there witnesses or technical evidence? Typical steps include:
- 🟢 Inspection of the police reports and laboratory results.
- 🔵 Examination of whether the stop, blood test and questioning were lawful.
- 🟣 Assessment of options for reducing penalties or avoiding a driving ban.
- 🟡 Negotiations with the court and prosecution on possible settlements.
Where appropriate, we can arrange for you to be represented in court without you having to travel to Germany again. We will always discuss with you in advance whether this is possible in your specific case.
Traffic offences combined with criminal charges
In some cases, traffic offences are linked to additional criminal allegations – for example:
- 🟢 Dangerous driving, hit and run or driving without a licence.
- 🔵 Driving under the influence of drugs or medication.
- 🟣 Accidents with serious injuries or fatalities.
In such constellations, pre-trial detention or stricter measures may be imposed in exceptional cases. You can find more on this topic in our article Pre-trial detention in Germany. If narcotics are involved, we also refer to our detailed page Narcotics and drug offences.
FAQ – DUI / Drunk & Drug Driving in Germany
What is the legal alcohol limit for driving in Germany?
In most cases, the legal limit is 0.5‰ blood alcohol concentration (BAC). However, even lower levels can lead to consequences if your driving is unsafe, if you cause an accident or if you are a novice driver. At higher levels, drink driving becomes a criminal offence rather than a simple traffic infraction.
What happens if I refuse a breath test or blood test?
You are not obliged to perform roadside coordination tests or to incriminate yourself. If the police suspect drink or drug driving, they can usually order a blood test through a judge or prosecutor. Refusal may not prevent evidence but can still have legal consequences. We analyse how the test was ordered and whether your rights were respected.
Do I have to appear personally in a German court for a DUI case?
Not always. In many cases, especially for foreign drivers, the court can allow your defence lawyer to represent you without your personal presence. Whether this is possible depends on the seriousness of the allegation and the expected sentence. We clarify this with the court and discuss with you whether travelling to Germany is necessary.
Will a DUI in Germany affect my driving licence in my home country?
A German conviction can influence how your home authorities view your fitness to drive. In some countries, foreign convictions or severe traffic offences must be reported and can lead to consequences for your licence or insurance. We take this into account when planning your defence and, if needed, cooperate with lawyers in your home country.
What penalties can I expect for drink or drug driving in Germany?
Typical sanctions include fines, points in the German register, a driving ban or withdrawal of your licence and, in serious cases, a criminal conviction. Very high alcohol levels, accidents with injuries or repeat offences can lead to suspended or even immediate prison sentences. We explain the realistic range in your case and work to reduce the consequences.
How long does a DUI case in Germany normally take?
Minor cases sometimes end within a few months through a penalty order. More complex cases, especially those with accidents or injuries, can take longer and may lead to a full court hearing. We keep you updated about the timeline, deadlines and upcoming decisions so that you can plan accordingly from abroad.
Can I keep driving in Germany while my case is pending?
This depends on whether the authorities have already imposed a provisional driving ban or withdrawn your licence. In some situations you are still allowed to drive until a final decision is made; in others, driving is prohibited immediately. We check your documents and explain clearly what is allowed and what is not.
Can a DUI in Germany affect my visa or residence status?
Yes, in more serious cases a criminal conviction can have immigration consequences, especially if you hold or apply for a residence permit, work visa or EU Blue Card. This does not mean that every DUI leads to immigration problems, but the risk must be considered. We look at your individual situation and, if necessary, coordinate with an immigration lawyer.
Contact our English-speaking DUI lawyers in Frankfurt
If you are facing DUI or traffic offence proceedings in Germany, do not wait until you receive a court summons. Early legal advice improves your chances of a favourable outcome.
You can reach us by phone at +49 69 710 33 330 or by e-mail at kanzlei@dr-buchert.de. We are based in Frankfurt and act throughout Germany.
Your lawyers:
- 🟣 Dr. Caroline Jacob, Specialist Lawyer for Criminal Law
- 🔵 Frank M. Peter, Specialist Lawyer for Criminal Law
- 🔴 Prof. Dr. Frank Peter Schuster, Of Counsel
- 🟢 Tax advisor and former tax investigator Frank Wehrheim, cooperation partner
Our law firm Buchert Jacob Peter has been defending clients in criminal and traffic cases for more than 25 years in Frankfurt and nationwide.
📞 Telephone: +49 69 710 33 330
✉️ E-mail: kanzlei@dr-buchert.de