Our team of solicitors specialise in the full spectrum of motoring offences
In accordance with the Solicitors’ Regulatory Transparency Rules we are required to ensure that members of the public have accurate and relevant information about a solicitor or firm when they are considering purchasing certain legal services.
The services specified in the regulations which are applicable to the areas of law practiced by this firm relate to the provision of advice and representation at the Magistrates Court in relation to summary only road traffic offences dealt with at a single hearing. A summary only offence is an offence which can only be dealt with at a Magistrates Court.
The most common examples of offence are:
- Speeding
- Driving without Insurance
- Careless Driving
- Failing to provide a specimen
- Failing to stop after an accident
- Driving a vehicle whilst over the prescribed limit for alcohol / Drugs
- Driving otherwise in accordance with a licence
- S. 172 – Failing to provide details of a driver
For further information on whether any other specific offences are summary only offences please refer to Schedule 2 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988, which can be accessed via this link – https://www.legislation.gov.
In addition to the above, we also cover Either-way and Indictable only offences such as:
- Dangerous Driving
- Death by dangerous driving
- Driving whilst Disqualified
- Death by careless driving
Legal aid may be available for the above offences. For any queries in relation to these type of offences please contact a member of our team for further assistance.
Exceptional Hardship
Where a person accumulates 12 or more penalty points on his licence, the Court is obliged to disqualify that person from driving for a minimum period of 6 months. The only instance where the Court has a discretion not to do so, is where it finds that “exceptional hardship” would result if that person were to be disqualified from driving. In those circumstances, the Court can exercise its discretion to disqualify for a shorter period or not to disqualify at all.
The test as to what amounts to “exceptional hardship” is extremely high. The hardship that is suffered is not limited to the impact upon the person convicted; rather it can be hardship that can be described as “exceptional” and which will be suffered by others.
It is not possible to give an exhaustive list as to the type of “hardship” that might be considered sufficient to meet this test.
Call now to book a FREE 20 min consultation with one of our driving offences and convictions solicitors: 01865 246991
Fixed Fees
We offer the following fixed fees plus VAT (at the rate of 20%) at the following rates:
| Fixed fee (excl. VAT) | VAT at 20% | Total | |
| First Hearing at the Magistrates Court: | £600 | £120 | £720 |
| Sentence Hearing at the Magistrates Court: | £400 | £80 | £480 |
| Trial (from) | £1,500 | £300 | £1,800 |
Please note that trial fees can vary significantly according to case complexity and trial length. The above do not include travel costs and disbursements.
How long will my case take?
It is very difficult to provide a precise timescale of when your hearing will take place. Summary-only road traffic cases take between one week and three months to conclude depending on the court listings. Most offences of this nature when someone pleads guilty can be dealt with at a single hearing. Most cases of this nature where a not guilty plea is entered will require two hearings: a plea and case management hearing then the trial itself. Depending on how busy the Court is then your trial may not be listed for 3-6 months.
Additional Costs (Disbursements)
Disbursements are costs related to the matter that are payable to third parties, such as: counsel’s fees, courier costs, travel costs, etc. and do not make up our legal fees. We expect client to make a payment on account in advance of us instructing an expert.
Typically, experts may be called to conduct alcohol back calculations, lung function tests and drug calculations, for example. Disbursements will vary from matter to matter, some will attract VAT while other may not. On a guilty plea matter, for example, disbursements will usually only include travel costs if we need to represent you at a non-local court. On trial matters there be counsel or experts’ fees involved as set out below.
For a typical not guilty plea matter, we would expect to see some (or all) of the following disbursements:
- Counsel’s fees;
- Expert fees;
- Added value service fees (such as fees for expedited trials);
- Photocopying;
- Costs of travel to and from hearings or offsite meetings. Travel costs being fares, parking charges or mileage at £0.45p per mile (plus £0.09 per mile VAT)
Very occasionally an expert report may be required in such cases the likely cost of which is likely to range from £750 – £2000 (plus VAT of £150 – £400 at 20%). Should counsel be instructed to conduct the trial their fees will also be classed as a disbursement and will range from between £500 – £1500 (plus VAT of £100 – £300 at 20%), depending on the nature and complexity of the matter.
Costs of counsel
The other most common type of disbursement that might be incurred for attendances at the Magistrates’ Court are the costs of Counsel. If we are not able to send one of our own specialist advocates to Court – or if you specifically require representation by Counsel. The costs of Counsel attending a hearing vary considerably based on relevant seniority and experience. We will need to discuss the choice of advocate with you on a case by case basis.
Counsel’s fees generally attract VAT at the rate of 20%.
Call now to book a FREE 20 min consultation with one of our driving offences & convictions solicitors: 01865 246991
We are here to help you
Our experienced motoring offences solicitors are here to help you, whether it’s over the phone or at one of our local offices in either Kidlington, Oxford, Bedford, Luton or Burton-Upon-Trent. If you have any queries or questions, or just want some guidance to navigate through the process please do not hesitate to book an appointment with us. Call us today, or simply complete the enquiry form below and a member of our driving offences and convictions solicitors team will be in touch with you regarding your enquiry.