Motoring Offence Solicitors
Expert Motoring Offence Solicitors in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Across England
If you are facing charges for a motoring offence, it is essential to act quickly. Even minor road traffic violations can lead to serious consequences, such as penalty points, fines, driving bans, or, in severe cases, imprisonment. At Cooper Hall Solicitors, we specialise in defending clients against all types of driving and motoring offences.
Our experienced team understands the complexities of road traffic law and will guide you through the legal process with professionalism and expertise. From drink driving to speeding offences, we serve clients in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and across England, helping you protect your licence and your future.
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What Are Driving and Motoring Offences?
Motoring offences in the UK range from minor violations to serious criminal charges.
Below are the most common offences we handle:
Drink and Drug Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or even some prescription medications can lead to severe penalties.
Speeding Offences
Exceeding speed limits is one of the most common motoring offences. Penalties depend on how far above the limit you were driving.
Driving Without Insurance
It is illegal to operate a vehicle without at least third-party insurance. Convictions can result in substantial fines or penalty points.
Dangerous or Careless Driving
Driving that falls below the standard expected of a competent driver can result in prosecution.
Failing to Stop or Report an Accident
If you are involved in an accident, failing to stop and provide your details or report the incident to the police is a serious criminal offence.
Driving While Disqualified
Driving during a disqualification period is a serious offence, often leading to custodial sentences and extended bans.
Mobile Phone Offences
Using a mobile phone while driving, including texting or taking calls without hands-free equipment, can result in fines, penalty points, or bans.
Penalties for Driving and Motoring Offences
The penalties for motoring offences vary depending on the severity of the charge and any previous convictions. Below are some examples:
1. Drink and Drug Driving
Penalty: A minimum 12-month driving ban for a first offence. Repeat offenders face longer bans and possible custodial sentences.
Source: Sentencing Council guidelines for drink driving offences.
2. Speeding Offences
Penalty: Fines of up to £1,000 (£2,500 for motorway offences) and 3-6 penalty points.
Source: The Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.
3. Driving Without Insurance
Penalty: Unlimited fine, 6-8 penalty points, or disqualification.
Source: Sentencing Council guidelines and the Road Traffic Act 1988.
4. Dangerous Driving
Penalty: Up to 14 years in prison for causing death by dangerous driving.
Source: The Road Traffic Act 1988 and Sentencing Council guidelines.
5. Mobile Phone Offences
Penalty: £200 fixed penalty notice and 6 penalty points.
Source: Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 (amended).
6. Accumulating 12 Points
Penalty: Automatic disqualification under the “totting up” system.
Source: Sentencing Council guidelines.
How We Defend Your Driving Offence Case
At Cooper Hall Solicitors, we provide personalised and proactive defence strategies tailored to your case. Here’s how we can help:
1. Initial Case Review and Advice
We offer a free initial consultation to understand the circumstances of your case and explain your legal options clearly.
2. Analysing Evidence
We examine all aspects of the case, including:
• Speed camera records and calibration.
• Breathalyser or drug test procedures.
• Witness statements and police reports.
3. Challenging the Prosecution
Our defence strategies may include:
• Procedural Errors: Highlighting faults in police testing or evidence gathering.
• Lack of Evidence: Arguing against insufficient or unreliable evidence.
• Special Circumstances: Proving mitigating factors, such as emergencies or medical conditions.
4. Representation in Court
Our experienced solicitors will represent you in court, presenting a compelling defence to reduce or dismiss charges.
Pricing for Motoring Offences
Our pricing for representation in motoring offences at the Magistrates’ Court is clear and transparent. Fixed fees range from £600 to £2500 plus VAT, depending on the complexity of the case.
What Does This Include?
• Reviewing evidence and advising on your plea.
• Representation at a single hearing.
• Guidance on sentencing, special reasons arguments, or exceptional hardship cases.
Additional Costs:
• Expert Witnesses: Fees depend on the type of expert required.
• Witness Statements: £200 per statement.
Typical Timescale:
Most driving offence cases conclude within 6 months. Court listings, evidence reviews, and hearings can affect the timeline.
Motoring Offences – Our Fees
This price information is for assistance in relation to summary only (heard at the Magistrates Court) motoring offences under Part I of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and s89 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.
Legal Fees and Disbursements:
Note: Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties.
Fixed fees vary between £600 and £2500 plus VAT.
The lower range of the fee will be for when we anticipate up to 2 hours of preparation and attendance and a guilty plea where no special reasons argument or exceptional hardship argument is required.
Likely disbursements will be:
- Expert fees
- Counsel Fees
The following steps are included:
Our fixed fees cover the following:
- Considering the evidence against you
- Providing advice in relation to a plea and likely sentence
- Where we cannot anticipate the likely sentence, advice to you on the options available to the court in relation to sentencing
- Where appropriate, advice on whether an exceptional hardship, or special reasons argument should be made
- Representation at a single hearing
Potential Additional Costs
Potential additional costs may be charged for:
- The instruction of any expert witnesses
- Taking statements from any witnesses
- Advice and assistance in relation to a special reasons hearing
- Advice or assistance in relation to any appeal
Typical Timescales and Key Stages
Motoring offence cases typically conclude within six months, though timelines may vary based on court listings and other factors.
Key stages include:
- Meeting with you to gather instructions and discuss what happened.
- Reviewing initial disclosure and evidence, followed by providing advice.
- Arranging and taking witness statements if necessary (£200 per statement).
- Explaining court procedures and sentencing options so you know what to expect.
- Conducting further preparatory work and answering any follow-up queries.
- Representing you at court for a single hearing (up to half a day).
- Discussing the outcome and advising on any appeals if required.
Note: We cannot provide a timescale of when your hearing will take place, as this depends on the court listing for that day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Common defences include issues with speed camera calibration, inadequate signage, or procedural errors during enforcement.
You may be charged with drink driving. However, procedural issues or medical conditions can sometimes invalidate the results.
Accumulating 12 points within three years usually results in disqualification, although exceptional hardship arguments may prevent this.
Penalties include an unlimited fine, six to eight penalty points, or disqualification. We can help contest charges or minimise penalties.
The penalty is typically a £200 fine and six penalty points. A driving ban may also apply in serious cases.
Why Choose Cooper Hall Solicitors?
Specialist Expertise in Road Traffic Law
Decades of experience in defending all types of motoring offences.
Proven Results
Successful track record in avoiding driving bans and reducing penalties.
Transparent Pricing
Fixed fees starting at £600, with clear guidance on additional costs.
24/7 Support
Immediate advice and representation, whenever you need it.