How Allen Hoole Solicitors Can Assist with Speeding Charges
Speeding charges are among the most common motoring offences in the UK, but they can carry serious consequences, especially for repeat offenders or those caught significantly exceeding the speed limit. Penalties for speeding can range from penalty points on your licence to hefty fines and even disqualification from driving in more serious cases.
At Allen Hoole Solicitors, we understand the impact that a speeding conviction can have on your life, both personally and professionally. As the largest criminal defence firm in the South West of England, we have a team of highly experienced solicitor advocates who can provide expert legal assistance in fighting or mitigating speeding charges. Our in-depth knowledge of traffic law and our strategic approach gives us a distinct advantage when handling speeding cases.
The Law Surrounding Speeding Offences
In the UK, speeding offences are usually detected either by fixed speed cameras, mobile speed cameras, or police officers conducting speed checks. If you are caught exceeding the speed limit, you will typically receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) and a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN), which can result in:
- 3 to 6 penalty points on your licence,
- Fines based on your weekly income,
- Disqualification from driving in more severe cases, such as when speeding excessively above the limit.
If you accumulate 12 or more penalty points on your licence within a three-year period, you may face an automatic driving ban under the totting-up system. In cases of extreme speeding, immediate disqualification may be imposed.
How Allen Hoole Solicitors Can Help
At Allen Hoole Solicitors, we offer expert legal advice and representation to help you navigate the complexities of speeding charges. Here’s how we can assist:
Assessing the Validity of the Speeding Charge
One of the first steps our solicitors take is to review the evidence against you. This can include examining:
- The accuracy and reliability of the speed camera or radar gun used,
- Whether the Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) was issued correctly and within the statutory time frame,
- The calibration and maintenance records of the speed detection equipment.
In some cases, procedural errors or faulty equipment can lead to the speeding charge being challenged or dismissed.
Building a Defence
Depending on the circumstances of your case, there may be a valid defence to a speeding charge. At Allen Hoole Solicitors, we have successfully defended clients in speeding cases by presenting arguments such as:
- Incorrect speed measurement: Challenging the accuracy of the equipment used to detect speed.
- Emergencies: Demonstrating that you were speeding due to a genuine emergency, such as a medical situation.
- Mistaken identity: Arguing that someone else was driving the vehicle at the time of the offence.
Our team of experienced solicitor advocates will carefully analyse your case to determine the most appropriate defence strategy, ensuring that your rights are fully protected.
Mitigating the Consequences
If a defence is not available, our focus shifts to mitigating the consequences of a speeding conviction. We work hard to minimise the penalties by presenting mitigating factors to the court, such as:
- Good driving record: Highlighting your history of safe driving.
- Personal or professional impact: Demonstrating how a disqualification would disproportionately affect your life, such as jeopardising your job or causing undue hardship for your family.
We will use our extensive experience to argue for a reduction in penalty points, lower fines, or the avoidance of a driving ban where possible.
Representing You in Court
For more serious speeding offences, such as those resulting in immediate disqualification, it is crucial to have expert representation in court. At Allen Hoole Solicitors, we have a wealth of experience in advocating for our clients in Magistrates’ Court hearings. Our team will present your case effectively, using legal arguments and evidence to achieve the best possible outcome.
Why Choose Allen Hoole Solicitors?
With decades of experience and a large team of skilled solicitor advocates, Allen Hoole Solicitors offers an unmatched level of expertise in defending speeding offences. We provide comprehensive legal support, from challenging the evidence to minimising the penalties you may face.
Our strong presence in the South West of England means that we are familiar with local courts, procedures, and the best defence strategies for motoring offences. We are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients, whether that means avoiding a disqualification, reducing penalty points, or ensuring a fair hearing in court.
If you have been charged with a speeding offence, contact Allen Hoole Solicitors today. We are available to provide expert legal advice and representation, ensuring that your case is handled with the utmost care and attention.