The courts treat traffic offences very seriously, because a traffic incident, whether it’s drink driving or dangerous driving, can cause considerable harm to others. If you have been charged with an offence, no matter how minor, it might be worth consulting a traffic lawyer. Good traffic lawyers can help you prepare a specialised defence, and guide you away from potential missteps that might cost you time and money – or even your freedom.
Navigate the Legal System
Traffic law is a complicated area to grasp for the layperson, with offences ranging from dangerous driving occasioning death and driving under the influence, to offences related to red light cameras and speeding.
The issue often goes beyond whether you’re guilty or not, there are matters such as procedure, sentencing, and penalties to take into account. A misstep at any stage might result in more severe penalties.
A traffic lawyer can assist you by bringing their expertise and knowledge of procedural requirements to your case. They can provide you with information on all your options at the very start, so you might be better able to avoid delays or costly detours along the way.
Preparing the Best Defence
Whatever the offense you have been charged with, you’ll need to prepare the best possible defence. The consequences of being convicted on traffic-related charges can range from losing your license for an extended period, to a prison term, or other penalty such as a fine.
A good defence might be able to secure a reduction in the severity of your sentence or penalties, the substitution of a lesser charge, or even a withdrawal of the charge or a dismissal of the proceedings.
Different types of defences might be available, depending on the offence. A traffic lawyer can advise you on a defence, and prepare the best evidence.
It’s your life, and you’ll want the strongest possible defence, especially in the case of a serious driving offence.
Sentencing and Penalties
A specialist traffic lawyer might also be able to get the severity of your sentence or other penalty reduced. When your case goes to court, you might need to demonstrate why your situation satisfies evidentiary standards for a particular defence. Even if your case does not fully satisfy a ‘no conviction’ or ‘not guilty’ outcome, there might be important facts that can be raised in order to satisfy a lesser penalty.
A good traffic lawyer will explore these options with you. Depending on your case, they might be able to reduce the amount of time you’ll need to go without your driver’s license, or spend in a correctional facility.
They might also be able to minimise the fine amount you’re required to pay. If you have been charged with a traffic offence, traffic lawyers, with their specialist knowledge and experience in this area of criminal law, might be a good place to start with your defence.