Road Traffic Offences

For law abiding citizens, it is more often than not, that the Road Traffic Legislation provides the introduction to the Criminal Justice System, and consequent encounters with the Police.

It is important that you obtain expert legal advice in a clear straightforward manner, at the earliest opportunity to deal with matters that may be regarded as simple in the first instance, whereas in fact are of a complex nature.

The difference between disqualification and retaining your licence, can be the quality of legal representation. Penman Sedgwick Solicitors Watford have considerable expertise in the area of road traffic law and can make the difference.

Alcohol
Penman Sedgwick handle matters including:

  • Refusing roadside breath test
  • In charge with excess alcohol
  • Failure to produce a specimen for analysis (Prescribed limit of alcohol – 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, or 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood)
  • Driving with excess alcohol
  • Click here for more information on Alcoholic Unit Limits
Drugs
  • Driving whilst under the influence of drugs
Speeding - motorway and non motorway
  • Exceeding the speed limit including disputing speed camera accuracy
Accidents
  • Failing to stop after an accident
  • Failing to report an accident
Documents
  • No tax
  • No insurance
  • No MOT
  • Driving/obtaining a driving licence whilst disqualified/without a licence
  • Failure to furnish documents
Traffic Light Offences
  • Failing to conform to a traffic sign
Parking Ticket offences
  • Deception as to owner/driver of vehicle at the time

We also help with:

  • If facing a drink driving ban
  • Keeping your licence
  • Penalty points ‘totting up’
  • Driving without due care and attention
  • Death by dangerous/careless driving
  • Insurance
  • Mobile phone
  • Defective Vehicle
  • Tachographs/HGV/LGV/PSL

If you need any advice on Road Traffic Offences please contact us, and we will respond as soon as possible, or call us on 01923 225212.

Motoring offences: fixed fee information

Motoring offences: Fixed fee

We are required to provide price information for assistance in relation to summary only motoring offences under Part I of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and s89 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

Example (fixed fee):
Drink driving offence, guilty plea – fixed fee: £2,500 + VAT

Fee includes:

  • 2 hours attendance/preparation
  • considering evidence
  • taking your instructions
  • providing advice on likely sentence
  • attendance and representation at a single hearing at the Magistrates Court

In cases involving special reasons, these are charged at the same rate as a trial.
Our hourly rate is £165 to £300 depending on level of fee earner.
The same rates apply to actual representation at hearings.

The fee does not include:

  • instruction of any expert witnesses
  • taking statements from any witnesses
  • advice and assistance in relation to a special reasons hearing
  • advice or assistance in relation to any appeal

The key stages of your matter are based on the presumption that you have entered a guilty plea and have a date for your hearing.

  • Meet with your solicitor to provide instructions on what happened.
  • We will consider initial disclosure, and any other evidence and provide advice.
  • Arranging to take any witness statements if necessary (this will have an additional cost, at our hourly rates).
  • We will explain the court procedure to you so you know what to expect on the day of your hearing, and the sentencing options available to the court.
  • We will conduct any further preparatory work, obtain further instructions from you if necessary and answer any follow up queries you have.
  • We cannot provide a timescale of when your hearing will take place, as this depends on the court listing for that day.
  • We, or Counsel, will attend court on the day and meet with you before going before the court. How long we have to spend at Court is entirely dependent on the Court listing, other cases in the Court list and the complexity of your case.
  • We will discuss the outcome with you.
  • If advice is required on appeal, this will carry an additional cost to be agreed.

Penman Sedgwick's opening hours:

Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 5.30pm