A traffic offence in New South Wales can have significant consequences. While many of us have copped a fine for going a little over the speed limit, serious traffic offences can pay a heavy toll, resulting in severe penalties.
Whether it’s a speeding fine, a drink driving charge, or other serious allegation, we can help. Hughes Law is a Sydney-based criminal law firm with extensive experience in navigating the complexities of NSW traffic law. We provide clear, expert guidance and representation to help you achieve the best possible outcome if you’ve been charged with a traffic offence.
Facing a Traffic Offence in Sydney?
The roads in Sydney are busy, and mistakes can happen. We regularly assist clients with a range of traffic matters, including:
- Drink driving: From novice range to high range prescribed concentration of alcohol (PCA) offences, these charges carry serious penalties including heavy fines, licence disqualification, and in some cases, imprisonment.
- Drug driving: Driving with illicit substances in your system is a growing area of enforcement, with penalties similar to drink driving.
- Speeding offences: Exceeding the speed limit, particularly by significant margins or in school zones, can lead to substantial fines, demerit points, and licence suspension.
- Driving while suspended or disqualified: If you have been caught driving without a valid licence, the penalties can be severe, including further disqualification periods, fines and potential imprisonment.
- Negligent driving: Driving without due care and attention, which can range from minor incidents to those causing death or grievous bodily harm, with escalating penalties.
- Dangerous driving: Driving in a manner that creates a danger to others, which can result in significant fines, lengthy disqualifications, and even imprisonment.
- Licence appeals: Appealing a licence suspension or seeking to have a disqualification period reduced.
What You Should Know
If you’re facing a traffic charge, it’s important to understand:
- Penalties can be severe: Depending on the offence and your driving history, penalties can include hefty fines, significant demerit points, lengthy licence disqualification periods, and in serious cases, a term of imprisonment.
- Your licence is at risk: For many traffic offences, especially those involving alcohol, drugs, or high speeds, there is an automatic period of disqualification, which can impact your work, family, and daily life.
- Defences may exist: Legal defences or mitigating circumstances could lead to a lesser penalty, a non-conviction order, or even having the charge dismissed. Raising a valid defence is highly technical, and legal guidance is strongly recommended.
- Early action is essential: Engaging with an experienced traffic lawyer early can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your case. How your case is dealt with depends on a range of matters such as how serious the charge is, the surrounding circumstances, your criminal history, and participation in rehabilitation and pre-sentencing programs, if relevant.
Expert Help for Traffic Offences
A traffic offence is more than just a fine; it can have lasting repercussions.
If you are facing a serious traffic offence in Sydney, Hughes Law will guide you through every step of the legal process, explaining the charges and assessing your options. If you choose to defend the charge, we will examine the evidence, identify any weaknesses, and provide a strong defence in court. We regularly appear in courts across Sydney and NSW and have established relationships with magistrates and prosecutors.
As former National Director of Prosecutions for the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and Head of Prosecutions for TfNSW, Principal, Belinda Hughes is exceptionally experienced and provides insight from both sides of the criminal justice system. With first-hand knowledge of court processes, Belinda will keep you informed at every stage, explaining legal jargon in plain English so you feel empowered to make informed decisions.
Contact Hughes Law for a confidential discussion and expert legal support. Call 0422 388 370 or email [email protected].
Get in Touch
Whether you need legal advice for your business or personal matters, our team is ready to assist you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.