- Been charged with
Keyword?
Phil Simpson – With over 25 years experience, Phil can assist with getting you back on the road sooner, and even the possibility of having your drink or drug driving charges dropped. Contact Phil today.
Expertise
With over 25 years experience I have represented thousands of clients in a wide variety of cases.
Clear Focus
I predominatley represent clients in driving offences, traffic offences and criminal offences.
Customer Satisfaction
My dedication to client satisfaction is unmatched, providing personalised service and exceeding expectations.
- Keyword
Been charged with Keyword?
The offences of driving while disqualified or driving while suspended are offences under section 30 of the Road Safety Act 1986.
Upcoming court case for Keyword?
I have represented hundreds of suspended and disqualified drivers since becoming a Barrister more than 25 years ago. If you are charged with driving whilst suspended or disqualified, it is important to seek sound legal advice. You may have a defence to the charge – I can advise you on this. Even if you don’t have a defence, there are some very important steps involved in properly preparing your case for a plea in mitigation.
It’s important to understand that there is NO mandatory licence loss associated with these offences. This being the case, the aim of the game is to keep you on the road.
Driving whilst suspended or disqualified is regarded as a serious offence by both Parliament and the Courts. This is reflected in the possible sentencing options available to a Magistrate when dealing with these matters. Under the Road Safety Act, anyone who commits these offences can be fined heavily and be at risk of imprisonment.
Relevant matters that a Court will usually consider when formulating a penalty:
- Was your licence suspended via a penalty notice, a Court order or the result of a demerit point suspension via VicRoads?
- How many months into your suspension period did you get caught driving?
- Have you got previous driving history and, in particular, do you have a prior Court appearance for driving while suspended or disqualified?
- Is your offence aggravated by other offending (for example, speeding, drink/drug driving, hoon driving or an accident?
- Do you have any personal challenges such as family troubles, mental health or medical issues?
- What is your financial position and to what extent does your employment rely on your ability to drive?
Losing your licence
When I prepare a case for someone who has been caught driving whilst suspended or disqualified, all the preparation is geared towards keeping you on the road. While a Magistrate does have a discretion to further suspend your licence, thorough preparation will maximise your chances of staying on the road.
What you must do if your licence is suspended
If the magistrate further suspends your licence, you cannot drive until your period of suspension has finished. Unfortunately, in Victoria, there are no exceptions to this. For example, you cannot drive for the purposes of work or to pick up your children from school or even to drive a friend or parent to a medical appointment. There are no special licences that allow you to drive during a period of suspension or disqualification.
Impounding your vehicle:
If you get pulled over by the police for the offence of driving while suspended or disqualified, the police will often impound your vehicle for an initial period of 30 days. This is a costly process and will usually be in excess of $1000 inclusive of towing and storage fees.
Other sentencing options for Keyword or disqualified:
- Adjourned Undertaking (Good behaviour bond)
- Fine with or without conviction
- Community Corrections Order
- Jail sentence (up to 2 years)
Is Keyword a Crime?
Driving while suspended or disqualified is a summary offence, which means it’s heard and determined in the Magistrates’ Court. The outcome will appear on your Court history. In some circumstances it may also show up on a National Police Check.
It’s crucial that you understand your rights in relation to the offence of driving while suspended or disqualified. You may even have a defence. The decision to seek legal advice is crucial to understanding your rights, to explore possible defences, and to minimise penalties. The right advice will make a big difference and will assist you to move forward with the confidence to make an informed decision.
Should I get legal representation for my Court appearance?
While there is no obligation to be represented, the presence of a Barrister definitely sends the right message to the Court. Among other things, it shows the Court that you are taking the matter very seriously. Magistrates often comment on the fact that a person has sourced and engaged legal representation. It also demonstrates to the Court that you have gained an appropriate level insight and remorse. As a combination, these factors generally increase your chances of keeping your licence. I will work extremely hard to keep you on the road and to minimise the overall impact for you and for those that depend on you. I am very happy to discuss your options with you in order to achieve the best possible outcome.
Being charged by the Police can be very stressful
In my experience, there are many reasons why people find themselves charged with suspended or disqualified driving. It’s easy to feel like a criminal, even if it’s your first time before a Court. After more than 25 years in the Criminal Courts, I recognise that good people often find themselves charged with suspended or disqualified driving. This can be a very stressful situation to find yourself in.
Common reasons for offending are as follows:
- An uncharacteristically bad decision
- Driving in order to maintain your employment
- Challenging personal circumstances such as mental-health or family struggles
- A misunderstanding about your rights and obligations
- Peer group pressure
- Lack of support from friends or family to assist with alternative transport arrangements during your period of suspension
- The lack of effective and reliable public transport
- Being uninformed about the potential penalties for driving while suspended or disqualified
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Possible Defences to Keyword
Keyword Offences Melbourne
Keyword Jail Sentences
Minimise the potential impact on you and your livelihood
Keyword Community Corrections Orders
Keyword Victoria
Keyword Offences Melbourne
Whatever the reason that you find yourself charged with an offence, it’s very important to get advice from a practitioner who understands the complexities of both the process and the law.
Where to from here?
In preparation for your Court date, I will meet with you personally, listen to your side of the story, analyse the facts and provide advice on the law. I will also personally make some suggestions about individuals and agencies that can assist with the preparation of appropriate reports that will help to minimise your penalty. I will also make recommendations about suitable and appropriate personal character references.
Victorian Courts I Attend For Keyword
Keyword at Ringwood Magistrates Courts
Keyword at Moorabbin Magistrates Courts
Keyword Heidelberg Magistrates Courts
Keyword at Wyndham Magistrates Courts
Keyword at Melbourne Magistrates Court
Frankston Magistrates Court in relation to Keyword
Dandenong Magistrates Court in relation to Keyword
Broadmeadows Magistrates Court involving Keyword
Neighbourhood Justice Centre relating to Keyword
Sunshine Magistrates Court for Keyword
FAQs
What courts do you attend?
When should I start the process of having a lawyer represent me?
The moment you have been faced with any charges or taken in for questioning you should make contact with a lawyer immediately.
What is better, a solicitor, lawyer or barrister?
Which Regional Court In Victoria Do You Attend?
Keyword At Regional Victorian Courts
- Ararat Magistrates Court
- Bacchus Marsh Magistrates Court
- Bairnsdale Magistrates Court
- Ballarat Magistrates Court
- Benalla Magistrates Court
- Bendigo Law Courts
- Castlemaine Magistrates Court
- Cobram Magistrates Court
Victorian Courts Keyword
- Colac Magistrates Court
- Corryong Magistrates Court
- Dromana Magistrates Court
- Echuca Magistrates Court
- Edenhope Magistrates Court
- Geelong Magistrates Court
- Hamilton Magistrates Court
- Hopetoun Magistrates Court
- Horsham Magistrates Court
Keyword At Regional Victorian Courts
- Kerang Magistrates Court
- Korumburra Magistrates Court
- Kyneton Magistrates Court
- Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court
- Mansfield Magistrates Court
- Maryborough Magistrates Court
- Myrtleford Magistrates Court
- Portland Magistrates Court
Keyword Victorian Courts
- Sale Magistrates Court
- Seymour Magistrates Court
- Shepparton Magistrates Court
- St Arnaud Magistrates Court
- Stawell Magistrates Court
- Wangaratta Magistrates Court
- Warrnambool Magistrates Court
- Wonthaggi Magistrates Court
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