traffic-offence

What Happens When You are Charged with a Traffic Offence

What happens when you are charged with a traffic offence usually depends on whether you plead guilty or are found guilty by the court. It also depends on how severe the charge is. Not all orders result in jail time. It is good to consult with criminal lawyers to determine what will happen and whether you need legal representation at the trial.

You may not have to attend court for less serious charges, but then you may be convicted. If you don’t go to court, you must phone the court registry after the hearing to see the verdict. If you get a Notice of the court hearing, you don’t have to attend, but you can if you want to.

Attendance is legally required if you receive a Summons for the court hearing. Also, if you receive paperwork entitled Police Bail or Court Bail, you have to attend court.

It is possible to go to court and represent yourself if the charges are not severe enough to result in jail time. For instance, you might be disqualified from driving for a specific time, lose points from your licence or even be required to do community service of some kind.

However, a criminal lawyer must represent you if it is a serious offence that will very likely attract a jail sentence. You should take advice from the lawyer even before you enter a plea. They will advise you of the best request to enter; guilty or not guilty. They also know legal ways to argue in your favour and may be able to ensure you are given the minimum sentence rather than a harsher one.

You can find out what traffic offences attract charges by contacting a lawyer or researching the matter online. The court must apply the minimum penalty for the crime, and they may even sentence you to a harsher one, depending on the circumstances and whether you have had any prior convictions. Still, they cannot legally give you a lighter sentence.

If you can’t afford a lawyer, you can ask for a Duty Lawyer to represent you on the day of your court hearing. If none are available, you can request your case adjourned until one is available.

Being charged with an offence and having to go to court is not a pleasant thing. Worse still, it can affect your future in many ways and may even prevent you from being chosen for that dream job. That is why it is a good idea to take care when driving that you don’t commit traffic offences, then you won’t have to worry about it.