If you’re facing prosecution for a driving offence you may have to think about the impact that losing your licence could have on you and your family. You may be the only driver or the sole breadwinner in your household. You may have elderly and infirm relatives who rely on you. For one stupid mistake, should you let everyone down further by not fighting for a better deal? This is where a team of motoring lawyers can lessen the blow, or even help you to avoid it altogether. No matter what your offence is a good legal team can ensure you receive the best outcome.
If you face a speeding case
More than 100,000 drivers are caught speeding annually. Many receive a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100 and three points, but some cases end up in court because the driver contests the fine or the alleged speed was too high for a fixed penalty. More serious offences can result in a driving ban and a £1,000 fine (for non-motorway driving) or up to £2,500 fine for motorway speeding. It’s possible to defend a speeding charge by looking for holes in the evidence or lapses in police procedure.
If you face a totting-up ban
Totting up means that over three years you’ve received 12 points on your licence and this means the Court will consider whether to disqualify you for 6 months (or longer if you’ve been subject to a previous ban in the last three years). It could be four instances of driving a bit too fast, but you still face a possible ban and the impact this will have on you and your family. Many lawyers have argued that the driver will face exceptional hardship and have won the case, allowing the motorist to keep their licence.
If you’ve been caught driving without insurance
Driving without insurance can mean up to eight points on your licence and a hefty fine – up to £5,000. A good solicitor can argue that you had special reasons, for example if you had been told the vehicle was insured by someone you trust or your insurance company failed to notify you it had lapsed, and so help you to avoid penalty points.
If you face a careless driving case
Careless driving means what it says. If is alleged that your driving was careless, in other words that it fell below the standard of the careful and competent driver you may be subject to between three to nine points and a fine of up to £2,500. Again, lawyers can help you if you believe your driving was not at fault or that the incident has been exaggerated then it may be possible to reduce the penalty or avoid it completely.
If you have been caught driving dangerously
Dangerous driving can attracts a minimum 12 month disqualification and in the most serious of cases, a possible custodial sentence. Depending on how severe your offence was, lawyers could reduce your ban, reduce your prison sentence or help you to avoid them full stop.
If you’re been drink-driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal – for good reason. You can face a maximum prison sentence of six months (more if you are involved in a serious or fatal accident in which case the charge could be causing death by careless or dangerous driving) and at least 12 months’ disqualification. However, there are strict procedures that must be followed when police take specimens of breath and or blood from you. If they have not been followed correctly, it is the job of a good driving solicitor to use it to your advantage.
These are just a few examples of how motoring lawyers can help you in your hour of need. Don’t let a stupid mistake ruin your life and that of your family.