Traffic Charges
Defending Traffic Charges in NSW
The consequences of a Traffic conviction
Depending on the charges, a traffic conviction can result in:
- Loss of demerit points and fines
- On-the-spot loss of your driver licence
- An interlock device being placed in your car
- A court appearance
- Possible gaol time
That’s why it is important to take traffic charges seriously and obtain legal advice.
What can you expect when charged with a traffic offence?
The penalties you can expect will depend on your traffic offence charges. For example:
- Speeding 30 km/h over the limit will result in a court appearance and loss of licence
- Drink driving or driving under the influence are treated like any other criminal offence and will result in loss of licence
- Negligent driving and dangerous driving occasioning death could result in gaol time
- If your licence has already been suspended or disqualified and you are caught driving, your licence disqualification will be lengthened and you may be fined or placed on a good behaviour bond
- Repeat offending can lead to gaol time
All of these offence examples can have a serious impact on your demerit point count, your driving record and your ability to keep your licence. The flow on effects of losing your licence can affect your ability to work, pick the kids up from school and every other aspect of your life that currently involves hopping into your car.
Likely defence options
Often the difference between a mid-range and low-range drink driving charge can be as little as one mouthful of your favourite alcoholic drink. Our approach will be based on obtaining the best outcome for you based on the particular circumstances of your traffic offence. This could include reducing the length of your licence disqualification or the amount of your fines.
Have you already lost your driver licence?
If you lost your driver licence prior to 2017, your penalty may be much greater than it would be today. That’s because the government recognises that long licence suspensions may not deter people from driving without a licence.
In some situations, including where you have been declared a Habitual Traffic Offender, you may be able to apply for the removal of the declaration and remaining disqualification, providing you meet certain considerations and circumstances.
To appeal the license disqualification, we would need to apply to the RMS (Roads and Maritime Services) for documentation. Depending on your traffic record, you would need to be offence free for either 2 or 4 years before you will be given the relevant documents by RMS. Once you have these documents, Mate Lawyers can apply to the Court and argue why you should be entitled to have your licence back.
We are experts on all aspects of traffic offence charges and appear regularly in the Local Court for traffic matters.
Are you or someone you know facing traffic charges or loss of your driver licence?
We fight to get the best results for your particular situation. If you or someone you know are facing traffic offence charges in NSW, get in touch with us here.
Mate Lawyers are experienced defence lawyers who will fight hard to obtain the best outcomes for your individual situation. We ditch the jargon to help you understand the charges and we will explain your defence options simply and clearly.
