Driving Offences

Most of us drive, and people are more familiar with driving offences than with any other type of criminal charge. This is still a surprisingly complex branch of criminal law: There is nothing routine about a driving ban or possible prison sentence for a serious offence.

If you have been charged with an offence that carries an automatic ban or are approaching 12 penalty points within a three-year period, the personal and professional consequences could be devastating. We take great pride in delivering our service with sensitivity and respect.

We are here to help you. At Platts Solicitors we are experts in road traffic law: Every case is different, and we know where to look for the errors that could mean the prosecution case against you is improper or unfair.

Our goal is always to secure an acquittal or avoid disqualification.

If you face a court hearing, you will be represented by a senior solicitor familiar with all of the facts -a lawyer who knows the best way of presenting your case.

Driving Bans

Some offences are considered so serious that conviction carries an automatic ban. We represent clients charged with all offences, including:

• Dangerous driving
• Causing death by dangerous driving
• Causing death by careless driving
• Driving with excess alcohol or while unfit through drugs or drink
• Failure to provide a specimen
  
  
  

Totting Up and Penalty Points

Sometimes it is tempting to accept penalty points from speeding tickets and other less serious offences without disputing the facts. If you are nearing a total of 12 points on your licence, it pays to seek our advice. Often there are procedural errors in the prosecution case that we can exploit to ensure that a ban is avoided. Offences that attract points include:

• Speeding
• Careless driving
• Driving without due care and attention
• Driving without insurance
• Failing to report an accident
• Traffic light offences
• Document offences
• Mobile phone offences
• Seat belt offences
  
  
  

Failure To Give Information As To The Identity Of The Driver

We have successfully fought cases involving s.72 of The Road Traffic Act since the offence of failure to identify the driver came into force. These cases are often fought on technical defences.

Appealing A Driving Offence

It may be possible to appeal a magistrate’s decision owing to procedural irregularities or by taking a different approach from the legal representative who originally handled the case. A motoring offence conviction means that you could end up with a criminal record and, in certain circumstances, a custodial sentence. We guarantee if the prosecution has made a mistake, we will find it.

Contact Us

We have offices in Oldham and Rusholme and in many cases we can advise you under the legal aid scheme. If funding is not available, we offer highly competitive rates. You can contact our specialist driving offences solicitors in Manchester online or by phone on 0161 224 2555