Representation may not be required for a drink driving offence if the person before the court does not have a previous conviction for the same offence of if the reading is not bananas high or if the arrest was not as a result of a road traffic accident where other more serious matters arise. The shortest period of disqualification is for one year for the lowest reading, then two years if the reading is above this and then three years — assuming it is a first offence. Generally the judge will ask the person if they want legal representation and if not, they will get an opportunity to explain what happened. For a first offence, legal representation is not essential as long as the defendant appears in court.