Is drink driving in Malta a criminal offence or just a traffic fine?

Driving under the influence of alcohol above the prescribed legal limit in Malta is treated as a criminal offence rather than a simple administrative traffic fine, and it is prosecuted through the Courts of Magistrates, with potential consequences depending on factors such as your blood alcohol level, whether this is a repeat offence, and whether any aggravating circumstances such as an accident were involved, ranging from a fine and driving disqualification to, in more serious or repeat cases, imprisonment. Because this is being dealt with through the court process rather than an on-the-spot fine, it is important to treat it with the seriousness of a genuine criminal matter, including engaging a lawyer to represent you, since the outcome can affect your criminal record, your ability to drive, and potentially other aspects of your life such as certain employment or licensing requirements depending on your profession. Before your court date, a lawyer can advise you on the specific charge you are facing, the realistic range of outcomes given your particular circumstances, and whether there are any procedural issues, such as how the breathalyser test itself was administered, that could be relevant to your defence.