Read more articles in: Mandeep Sehmi, News

Motoring offence prosecutions rise by one fifth in a 12-month period

Latest figures from the Home Office, which have been analysed by the AA, found that last year 565,000 drivers were prosecuted for a range of motoring offences – up 22 per cent on the previous year.

The overall increase in convictions coincided with a rise in traffic during 2021, after coronavirus lockdowns caused a sharp fall in journeys during the previous year.

Given that motoring convictions are on the increase, Mandeep Sehmi, a Solicitor with Mander Hadley who specialises in motoring offence law, has provided a brief overview of the most commonly prosecuted offences and explains what you need to know if you stand accused:

Careless Driving

You may be accused of driving without due care and attention (commonly known as “careless driving”) when it is alleged that the standard of your driving fell below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver. The penalty for careless driving is a fine and three to nine points on your licence or a disqualification depending on the seriousness of the offence. Our experts can advise on the evidence and put forward a defence and/or mitigation to reduce the level of any penalty imposed.

Dangerous driving and offences resulting in injury or death

If you are accused of dangerous driving or a driving offence resulting in injury or death, you may be facing Crown Court proceedings and serious penalties including imprisonment. We can advise you on the evidence and any potential defences and/or mitigation and are able to provide you with representation to ensure the best possible outcome.

Drink or drug driving

If you are guilty of driving under the influence of drink or drugs, you will normally be disqualified from driving for at least twelve months. This is a complex area of law requiring the police to follow the correct procedures. Our experts can advise you on whether you have a potential defence or, in certain limited circumstances, reasons to attempt to persuade the court not to disqualify you.

Speeding

If you are accused of driving at high speed, you may face disqualification from driving which in turn may impact upon your livelihood. We can assist by putting forward reasons on your behalf to avoid or reduce the period of disqualification.

“Totting up” disqualifications

If you are in danger of having your licence endorsed with penalty points which bring the total number of points on your licence to twelve or more within a three-year period, you will be facing the possibility of a “totting up” disqualification, usually for a minimum period of six months. We can advise you on whether there are mitigating circumstances to avoid or reduce such a ban and put those factors to the court on your behalf.

How can Mander Hadley support you?

As a fully Accredited Police Station Representative, an Accredited Duty Solicitor and a Member of the Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme (CLAS), Mandeep specialises in providing robust legal representation, helping clients through a particularly challenging time in their lives; ensuring that their legal rights are respected and enforced.

For further information we have produced a guide on driving offences which is free and available to download to here.

For legal support if you are accused of a driving offence, please get in touch with us.