MOTORING
PJE Solicitors have a team of highly experienced solicitors dedicated to the defence of the motorist . Our lawyers are genuine experts in motoring law and have helped people to limit the damage caused to them by prosecution for motoring offences
Whether you just need xsome quick advice, have a query about any issue relating to your driving licence or require representation in Court, we are available at any time. Our initial advice is always free of charge so you have nothing to lose by calling us.
When facing a potential prosecution for a motoring offence, it is essential to take advice as early as possible. The earlier you call us, the more likely we will be able to help you achieve the best possible outcome to your case.
Not sure what to expect?
If you have been summonsed to Court or charged with an offence, you need to make sure you are fully prepared. Being prosecuted for a motoring offence can be daunting, particularly if you have never attended Court before. It may not be as stressful as it seems. As long as you are legally represented, your attendance may not even be required and your time can be saved. Hearings can often be adjourned to allow us more time to prepare your case.
What we will need from you
If you are able to we ask that you e-mail or fax us any documentation you have (eg, charge sheet, summons or notice of intended prosecution) in order we can fully appreciate the situation you are in. After we have considered it and discussed the case with you we can advise you about how you should proceed with your case.
CHARGED WITH AN OFFENCE
The Police will charge you with an offence if you have been arrested and it has been decided that there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction. This normally relates to the more serious offences such as drink driving. After you have been charged the police will provide you with a date on which you will be required to attend Court. If you have been charged you must attend Court on the date specified otherwise the Court will normally issue a warrant for your arrest.
THE COURT PROCESS EXPLAINED
There are two ways in which you can be formally accused of a motoring offence, either by way of a summons or being charged by the police with an offence.
THE COURT SUMMONS – YOUR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
When you are summonsed with an offence, you will be informed of the date your case is due to go before the Magistrates for the first time. At the first hearing of your case you will normally be expected to enter your plea although this can sometimes be delayed on request. In most cases this can be done in writing without the need for your attendance.
If you have been summonsed and wish to plead not guilty this can be done in writing. Your case will then be fixed either for a pre-trial review or a trial. Your attendance is not strictly required at the trial but it may be in your interests to attend, particularly if it would assist your case to give evidence before the Court.
If you intend to plead guilty and a disqualification from driving is a possibility your attendance will be required. If you do not respond to the Court summons the Court may convict you in your absence. If you plead guilty without attending or do not respond to the summons and the Court wishes to consider a disqualification, it is obliged to adjourn the case to another date in order to allow you the opportunity to attend. If you do not attend the second hearing of your case, the Court may disqualify you in your absence or issue a warrant for your arrest.
WILL MY CASE BE HEARD IN MAGISTRATES OR CROWN COURT?
Some offences can only ever be heard in the Magistrates Court, such as, amongst others speeding, traffic signal offences, careless driving and drink driving. Other offences, such as dangerous driving, can be heard in the Magistrates Court or Crown Court.
Please call us immediately if you need help or advice with motoring offences.
This firm is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under No. 349090