Road Traffic

Road Traffic Offences

Motoring law is one of the most common areas of law seen in the criminal courts. It’s also a highly complex matter, often with significant effects on those involved. With police now using advanced technology to monitor and detect road traffic offences, even minor distractions can have major consequences – and it’s a trend that shows little sign of slowing down.

If you are facing a potential driving conviction, not asking to speak with a solicitor could make matters far worse.  Early advice is essential.

About Road Traffic Offences

Our team of specialist solicitors have a comprehensive understanding of motoring law, enabling us to get the very best results for your case.

A road traffic offence is an umbrella term encompassing a broad range of offences.  Here are the most common, but the list is almost endless:

Driving dangerously

Driving without due care and attention

Drink driving

Drug driving

Speeding

Mobile phone use while driving

No insurance

Driving without a licence

Driving whilst disqualified

Sentencing

The majority of road traffic offences are processed via the Magistrates Court depending on the severity of the offence and its consequences.  Penalties for road traffic offences vary widely and may include a fine in addition to points or “endorsements” on your licence.  Imposition of points can result in “totting” the maximum 12 points allowed at any given time.  This in turn triggers a minimum 6 month disqualification unless “exceptional circumstances” apply.

Also, if you have passed your test within the last two years, a driving offence could potentially result in the loss of your licence altogether if you were to gain 6 penalty points.

 

We’re here to help

If you have been involved in a road traffic offence, or are facing a prosecution and need expert advice, our team of experienced, knowledgeable and friendly solicitors can help you avoid a conviction, or in the event you are convicted, we can help keep penalties or the period of disqualification to a minimum.

We also specialise in what are known as Exceptional Hardship and Special Reasons arguments.  These are arguments that can be made to persuade a Court not to disqualify in certain circumstances.

Whether you are required to respond to a NIP (Notice of Intended Prosecution) or have already been accused of committing a road traffic offence, our dedicated team of professionals can help you at every stage, from navigating interactions with the authorities through to helping you build a successful defence.

For more details, call our Newport office today on 01633 266999, and one of our team will be available to help 24 hours a day.

Pricing of Summary Only Road Traffic Offences

From years of experience in dealing with these matters we feel that most clients much prefer a fixed fee structure of pricing.  We are therefore able to provide you with some examples of the fixed fees charged for more routine work.

Every matter is different and some may not fit directly into the examples below.  If this is the case please do not hesitate to get in touch.  We will gladly sit down with you and discuss what work is required and the likely cost.

DRINK / DRUG DRIVING

FEE

£500 + VAT

INCLUDED

  • 2 hours attendance/preperation
  • Representation at a single hearing at the Magistrates Court (excluding trial)

EXCLUDED

  • Instruction of any experts
  • Taking of witness statements
  • Advice and assistance in relation to special reasons hearing
  • Advice and assistance in relation to any appeal

SPEEDING

FEE

£500 + VAT

INCLUDED

  • 2 hours attendance/preperation
  • Representation at a single hearing at the Magistrates Court (excluding trial)

EXCLUDED

  • Instruction of any experts
  • Taking of witness statements
  • Advice and assistance in relation to special reasons hearing
  • Advice and assistance in relation to any appeal

NO INSURANCE / LICENCE

FEE

£500 + VAT

INCLUDED

  • 2 hours attendance/preperation
  • Representation at a single hearing at the Magistrates Court (excluding trial)

EXCLUDED

  • Instruction of any experts
  • Taking of witness statements
  • Advice and assistance in relation to special reasons hearing
  • Advice and assistance in relation to any appeal

The following is included in each fixed fee:

  • Considering evidence
  • Providing advice in relation to plea, sentencing options and if possible, likely sentence;
  • Where appropriate, advice on whether an exceptional hardship or special reasons argument should be made
  • Representation at a single hearing (excluding trial)

Excluded from the fixed fees are:

  • Tracking witnesses, taking statements, obtaining expert reports, site visits and investigations
  • Advice, assistance and representation in relation to the making of special measures and exceptional hardship arguments
  • VAT
  • Court fees

The following key stages of your matter are based on the presumption that you will be entering a guilty plea and have a date for your hearing:

  • Meet with one of our solicitors to provide instructions on what happened
  • We will obtain and consider the initial disclosure plus any other evidence required
  • Arrange to take witness statements if necessary (additional cost of £100 per statement at our office. Statements taken outside our office will incur additional costs)
  • We will explain the court procedure so that you know what to expect on the day of your hearing and the sentencing options available to the court
  • We will conduct any further preparatory work, obtain further instructions from you if necessary and answer any follow up questions you may have
  • We will attend court on the day of your hearing and meet with you before going into court. Most matters are dealt with in half a day
  • We will discuss the outcome with you. If advice on appeal is required this will carry an additional cost

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