Motoring offences
We offer experienced expert legal advice and representation in the event you or your company has been charged with a motoring offence.
Whether you have been charged or have received a section 172 notice, or more commonly called, a notice of intended prosecution (NIP) or a summons, our driving offence lawyers provide a fixed fee service for an initial meeting to advise you on the most appropriate course of action. We attend all interviews under caution, prepare your case/defence and arrange representation in court, should that be necessary.
Our experience of motoring offences and road traffic law is wide-ranging and long-standing (our team has over 45 years of combined experience) and we can assist with investigations and cases relating to a wide variety of matters. We take a proactive defence approach, which involves advancing and protecting your interests from the very first meeting with you. This way, your defence will always be out in front of you, and you’ll be able to put your best foot forward.
Do I need a solicitor for a driving offence?
You may not need a solicitor for a driving offence if, for example, you have received a fine for speeding that you do not wish to appeal. However, if you have to go to the police station or to court for a driving offence, or if the penalty for the driving offence results in a driving ban, then you may need a solicitor. Driving offence solicitors help with all of the following matters:
| Careless driving | Construction and use offences such as exceeding permitted axle weight | Dangerous driving | Drink driving (See sentencing guidelines) | Driving whilst on a mobile phone |
| Drug driving | Failing to provide information about the identity of the driver | Failure to report a road traffic accident | Failure to stop | Fatal road traffic investigations |
| Lack of insurance | Roadworthiness or driver hours | Speeding (See sentencing guidelines) |
If any of these matters become a criminal offence, which is dealt with through the courts, they can result in a conviction and a criminal record. This conviction could be punishable by anything from the loss of your licence to imprisonment. The conviction would also be visible on a DBS check and would likely increase your insurance premiums, which is why it is so important to consult with a driving offence lawyer as soon as possible.
Is a driving offence a criminal conviction?
Yes, driving offences are considered criminal convictions and will result in a criminal record, which is why it is so important to consult a professional criminal law solicitor if you are taken to court for a driving offence. If, however, you are given a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) or a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) for a minor driving offence and you pay the fine in time, this will not appear on your criminal record unless a court gives you a conviction at the time of the fine.
Related articles
- Have you received a notice of intended prosecution (NIP)? Here is what happens next.
- Speed awareness courses
Special reason
Our team has the ability to consider and advance, where appropriate, a special reason. When a special reason is advanced and successful, this gives a court the discretion not to endorse a licence. This may include matters such as spiked drinks, medical emergencies and shortness of distance driven.
Disqualification
In circumstances where you may have already lost your licence, we can apply to the court for the early return of a driving licence after a period of disqualification has been served.
At times, disqualification from driving can mean exceptional hardship. Our team recognises the implications of such an event and work with you to prepare arguments for court hearings. At all times our aim is to help you achieve your goal.
DVLA appeals
If you have had your licence revoked by the DVLA on, perhaps, medical grounds we can assist in appealing. This can involve preparing a case with medical evidence in order to achieve a review by the DVLA. Any such appeal would be heard by the Magistrates Court.
Our driving offence solicitors have an excellent track record of success at court, including mitigating the penalties and sentences given to individuals and companies.
What to do if you’ve received notice of intended prosecution (NIP) or the police want to talk to you about a driving offence
Your first step when contacted regarding a driving offence should be to get in touch with us. The earlier you involve your chosen solicitor, the better, as we can start discussing the case with you and gathering evidence, whilst the incident is still fresh in your mind. Learn more.Â
Price and service transparency (Click here)
The information provided is on the presumption that you have entered a guilty plea and have a date for your hearing. The final amount of time in order to reach the end of the initial hearing in the Magistrates Court will also be impacted on the efficiency of the Crown Prosecution Service, the listing pattern of the Court, and waiting time at Court, as these are all factors outside our control.
View our price and service transparency here.
Criminal litigation accreditation
Our criminal team are ranked in Chambers UK, a leading independent legal directory.
Jonothan Moss and Rubin Italia have both been accredited individually by The Law Society for their expertise in Criminal Litigation. Rubin became a Higher Court Advocate in early 2007 and can practice in all criminal courts.
Get in touch
Our driving offence solicitors help people across London, Thame, Gerrards Cross and the wider area. For further information or advice please call 01753 889995Â or email enquiries@bpcollins.co.uk.
