Are you facing a court appearance for a traffic offence? Having the right legal representation can make the difference between being given a long period of disqualification and keeping your licence. There are a number of law firms that can provide you with traffic lawyers, but unfortunately they can’t all offer the same level of service and results. Here are a few things you should look out for when choosing a traffic lawyer to defend you in court.
Experience
Experience is essential when you are looking for someone to defend you in court. Someone who has experience of a wide range of traffic-related criminal matters is more likely to be able to defend you effectively than someone who doesn’t specialise in the area.
Traffic law is a specialist area of criminal law and there are a number of defences that are available, depending on the situation. To have the best chance of effectively defending yourself against charges, you need a traffic lawyer who has an in-depth understanding of NSW traffic law and has been involved in a wide range of different cases.
Are they familiar with local courts and magistrates?
The magistrates at the local courts are also more likely to respect the opinion of a experienced lawyer, with whom they have dealt with before in a legal capacity. The most experience or best traffic lawyer may not be based in your specific area, but it is a good if they regularly work at the court where your matter is being dealt with, and have personal knowledge of the local magistrates. An unfamiliar lawyer may not have the same authority with the magistrate who is dealing with your case and this can make a big difference to the eventual outcome.
What is their track record?
You can tell a lot about traffic lawyers in NSW by looking at the results of their previous cases. If you are hoping to get a section 10 dismissal or conditional release order for your traffic charge or you want to avoid disqualification, ask to see details of previous cases that are similar to yours, and find out what the outcomes were. A section 10 dismissal or conditional release order is when you wish to plead guilty but avoid a conviction or disqualification. If your lawyer has a good history of successfully defending their clients against traffic charges, avoiding disqualification, and obtaining non conviction orders in similar matters to yours, there is a good chance they will be successful for you too.
Are you comfortable with them?
For you to be able to get the most out of your traffic lawyer, you need to feel that you can be honest with them and discuss personal matters. Open communication is important for the lawyer/client relationship to work, so finding a traffic lawyer that you are comfortable with is essential. Changing lawyers halfway through a case can lead to high legal costs, and may jeopardise the outcome, so make sure you are happy with your choice from the beginning.
Finding the right lawyer is a decision that should be made carefully, particularly when you are defending a traffic matter. The consequence of a conviction for many traffic offences is disqualification from driving, and this can seriously impact your lifestyle, your family and your ability to work. To guarantee the best chance of success, make sure you choose the right lawyer for your traffic case.
