Our motoring offence solicitors can help even if the case against you looks strong.
A motor offence allegation can be a shock and even a cause of stress - but it doesn't need to be that way. Our experts can show you the way forward to getting the best result.
We win cases, and most of our clients even avoid having to go to trial. We offer private representation for affordable fixed fees.
Call us and speak to one of our specialist motoring offence solicitors with no obligation. You'll be glad you did.
Recent success stories
Client Not Guilty of Causing Death by Dangerous Driving
Not guilty verdict - client exonerated
Death by Dangerous Driving case dropped before trial
Case discontinued by the prosecution
A motoring offence case is more than just an inconvenience
Being accused of a motoring offence can cause worry, frustration, anger, even embarrassment.
Most of us need to be able to drive just to be able to get through life. Being at risk of points or even a driving ban can be a source of stress. Being able to drive isn't just about personal freedom to get around. Family members are often affected if someone can't drive, a person may lose his or her job, or even face future car insurance problems. Being convicted of a motoring offence may also affect your reputation if it is published in the press and on the internet.
The hassle of dealing with a motoring allegation can also be a burden. Nobody wants to have to go to court, and even experienced people can be nervous about the prospect of having to stand in the dock in a court.
Most people charged with an offence never thought it could happen to them which can add to the frustration. In serious cases, fears of community orders or prison make things seem even worse.
Unprepared people get a raw deal in motoring cases
One reason motoring cases are difficult to deal with is that the system doesn't allow much flexibility. It can seem to motorists that police decide to proceed against them because they can, not because it's the right thing to do, especially in marginal cases or where there are special circumstances.
Police stations and courts are also intimidating environments, which can put you at a disadvantage. People go in hoping to be treated fairly, often without a lawyer, maybe having done some internet legal research. They then find that they aren't given full information, aren't allowed to explain their case properly, and their case is over almost before it starts. Prosecutors and magistrates often end up railroading the defendant into a conviction or disqualification, asking loaded questions and not listening to the explanation.
It's also difficult to know how to choose a motoring lawyer. Nearly all criminal lawyers claim to know how to defend these cases, but very few are true specialists.
The right advice and representation can make the difference
This situation shouldn't turn your life upside down. Specialist motoring offence solicitors are available with the knowledge and skill to calm the situation and improve it.
By bringing in a motoring lawyer to defend your case, you'll be in a better position to avoid worst case scenarios. The right legal team will be able to tell you what to expect beforehand so that you understand what is going to happen. This makes the process less stressful.
They will also be able to advise you on what steps they can take to improve the situation. Motoring offence solicitors will have technical knowledge, but also bring in specialist advocates to appear in court. They'll know who the right technical specialist witnesses are to challenge the prosecution, for example, speed device experts, forensic toxicologists, or even crash investigators.
The result is that your case is expertly put across in court by someone who knows what steps will get you to the result.
If you want the advantage in your case, call our experts
Our top ranked motoring offence solicitors defend clients in cases of speeding, alcohol/drink driving, no insurance, careless driving/dangerous driving, and even cases involving serious injury or death. We know what it takes to get a positive outcome. When you speak to us you will immediately see that we know this area inside out, and that we know what strategies work best.
When you call us, you'll probably notice is that we start by listening to you. We want to understand what you need from the situation, and we need to know how you view the case against you so we can best help you get the result you need.
Then we advise you on how the law works, breaking down a step by step strategy to make the situation better.
Most of all, we make sure that by the time the case goes to court, all the technical preparation required has been done. This way you go into that environment feeling confident about the result, not intimidated by the opposition or the process.
Things you should and shouldn't do if you're facing a motoring case
Call us and speak to one of our specialist motoring offence solicitors. We don't charge for an initial consultation, and will talk you through your options.
Don't speak to police or write any response to police or court without taking legal advice first.
Do not under any circumstances ask anyone to take penalty points for you if you were driving - it is a serious offence and every year drivers go to prison for it.
Get a recent printout of your driving record with DVLA from the gov.uk website so you know what driving record the court will be looking at.
Don't assume that doing research online will be enough to be prepared. Winning in court is about more than just knowing the rules. If your licence or liberty is at risk, get a proper motoring lawyer.
No-tricks fixed-fee pricing
We can usually offer a fixed fee instalment plan so you can plan for the expense, and so you can fund your case in stages while it is continuing.
Private representation
Once we have an idea of what kind of case you are facing and what work that will be necessary, we will then be able to provide you with a fixed fee quote. This means that you know before you commit how much your case will cost.
What's included?
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to tell my employer about a motoring conviction?
There is no law that says that any person who is convicted has to tell his or her employer about it. However, if you have a contract of employment, it may include a condition that if you are convicted of an offence you must tell your employer. It is worth bearing in mind that for offences where you appear in court in person, there is a chance that your name will be published in the local newspaper or online if you are either found guilty or plead guilty at court.
I am guilty of drink driving. Will I lose my job?
Whether you lose your job as a result of a drink driving case might depend on whether you have a job which requires you to have a licence, or whether the company you work for has a particular policy on drink driving convictions. In many cases, companies will take a pragmatic view. If you're a valued employee with a good work record, many companies will allow you to stay.
Is a motoring conviction or a drink driving conviction a criminal conviction?
The short answer is yes. If you got the penalty as a result of a court hearing, whether you were there in person or not, it is technically a criminal conviction. But, for the purposes of most declarations about previous convictions on applications for jobs or security clearance etc, you are unlikely to be treated as having a real criminal conviction for a speeding offence. In fact, most questions on forms about previous convictions only require you to disclose any non-motoring convictions.
Are points on my licence a criminal conviction?
Penalty points on a licence aren't necessarily a sign of a criminal conviction unless they came about as a result of a court hearing. They can come about as a result of accepting a fixed penalty offer which is not a conviction. They still have to be notified to insurance companies, but they are not considered convictions by employers.
If I say I will lose my job will I avoid a ban for drink driving?
A judge has very little discretion not to ban a driver who is convicted of driving with excess alcohol. If there was something special about the circumstance of the driving itself, such as for someone who had been spiked and didn't know they were over the limit, a court may decide not to disqualify. But this does not apply to somebody's life situation, for example, if he or she will lose his job, or has a disabled relative who relies on him or her to be able to get around. This is called mitigation and it might reduce the length of the ban, but not below the minimum 12 months (9 months with an awareness course).
Can I ask for anonymity in a motoring prosecution?
Generally speaking, there is no anonymity in criminal proceedings unless you are a minor, or unless identifying you will risk identifying a minor who is involved in proceedings.
I will lose my job if I am banned from driving. Will the court take this into account?
If you're charged with drink driving and plead guilty or are found guilty, the court has no power to not ban you from driving based on your personal circumstances. If you are at risk of being disqualified because you have reached 12 penalty points on your licence, the court MAY decide to allow you to continue to drive if losing your job will be an 'exceptional hardship'. The court would expect that everyone faces some hardship if they are banned, and many people will lose their job. If it means you will damage your career significantly or there will be serious effects on other people such as family, a court may take these factors into account.
Can I get legal aid for a motoring case or use the duty solicitor at court?
Motoring cases do not usually carry the possibility of a prison sentence, and so do not qualify for legal aid. This also means they do not qualify for help from the court's duty solicitor. The best course of action if you are charged with a motoring offence is to instruct a specialist motoring offence solicitor.
Should I use a local solicitor for an interview or magistrates' court appearance for a motoring case?
Many local solicitors are experienced and skilled. But choosing somebody for a motoring case just because their office is local to your home or the court building is unwise. You should choose a solicitor based on their experience and specialism. Motoring law is a specialist. A lawyer picked for convenience is perhaps less likely to be a specialist.
Send us a confidential message
We'll get back to you as soon as possible. We are happy to speak to you if you have a query, and either have a free consultation on the phone or in person if necessary.