Motoring Offence Representation
Most motoring offences are heard in Magistrates Courts, with appeals proceeding to the Crown Court. For severe offences such as causing death by dangerous driving, cases begin in the Magistrates Court and are transferred to the Crown Court for trial.
Our legal team provides representation for all motoring offences, such as:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Dangerous driving
- Driving without valid documentation (insurance, license, MOT)
- Causing death by dangerous or careless driving
Pricing and VAT Information
We charge for motoring offence cases on an hourly basis to provide transparency and flexibility for each client’s needs. The fees are:
- Partners: £285 + VAT (£57) = £342
- Solicitors: £278 + VAT (£55.60) = £333.60
- Legal Executives: £233 + VAT (£46.60) = £279.60
- Paralegals/Admin Assistants: £134 + VAT (£26.80) = £160.80
All the fees listed are exclusive of VAT, and VAT is applied at 20%. This ensures that clients understand the full cost, including the tax component, when we provide our services.
For instance:
- A consultation with a partner would cost £342 in total.
- A full case preparation by a solicitor would cost £333.60.
Breakdown of Services and Estimated Costs
- Initial Consultation (up to 1 hour): £342 for partners, £333.60 for solicitors. This includes a full discussion of your case, plea options, and sentencing advice.
- Plea in Mitigation Preparation: £600 – £1,000 depending on the complexity of the case. Typically takes 1-2 hours.
- Full Case Preparation: £800 – £1,600. Involves preparing for court, reviewing evidence, taking witness statements, and liaising with the police or CPS. May take 1-3 hours.
- Court Representation: £900 – £1,800 (including VAT). We instruct counsel to represent you in court, which is cost-effective and ensures high-quality representation. Senior counsel may incur higher fees, depending on their expertise.
Additional costs:
- Expert witness fees, if needed.
- Appeal representation and advice.
- Third-party costs such as medical reports or vehicle inspections.
Experience and Qualifications
We pride ourselves on the experience and qualifications of our legal team, offering representation by professionals at various levels:
- Partners: Over 10 years of experience in motoring offences and court representation.
- Solicitors: Qualified professionals with 5+ years of experience in handling motoring law.
- Legal Executives: Specialized in case preparation and legal support, with a focus on motoring offences.
- Paralegals: Assist in administrative tasks and case preparation under the guidance of senior solicitors.
We ensure that each case is handled by a solicitor with the appropriate level of experience based on the complexity of the matter.
Key Stages of a Motoring Offence Case
- Initial Consultation & Plea Advice:
- We discuss your case details, advise on the plea (guilty/not guilty), and explain possible sentencing. Typically done within the first hour.
- Plea in Mitigation Preparation:
- For clients pleading guilty, we prepare a strong plea for mitigation, highlighting any personal circumstances or mitigating factors that could reduce penalties.
- Full Case Preparation:
- This includes gathering evidence, reviewing witness statements, and liaising with court officials. It also covers ensuring you understand court procedures and preparing you for trial.
- Representation at Court:
- We arrange representation, typically instructing counsel. This is especially important for more serious cases or contested hearings, where the expertise of a barrister is crucial.
Timescales for Motoring Offence Cases
The timescale for handling motoring offences varies depending on the complexity of the case and the court’s schedule. Most cases involving a guilty plea conclude within 4 to 10 weeks from the date of the summons or charge.
- Non-contested cases (guilty pleas) are generally resolved faster, typically within 4-6 weeks.
- Contested cases (not guilty pleas) may require additional hearings and can take longer, typically 6-12 weeks.
If adjournments are needed, or if there are Special Reasons or Exceptional Hardship hearings, this can extend the timeline.