Traffic Offences
Drink driving, drug driving, dangerous driving, negligent driving occasioning death or grievous bodily harm, licence appeals and habitual offender declarations.
Facing a Serious Traffic Charge
Driving offences often carry consequences well beyond a fine, including disqualification, interlock orders and insurance issues, and at the serious end they carry real prospects of full time custody. The right approach depends on the offence, your record and the impact a disqualification would have on your work and family, and we appear regularly in traffic matters across the Local Court.
Traffic Matters We Can Assist With
We act in drink driving, drug driving, dangerous and negligent driving, licence appeals, habitual offender declarations and applications to have a disqualification removed. Whatever the circumstances, we assess your record and options at the outset.
Drink Driving and Drug Driving
Drink driving is charged across a range of readings, from novice range through to high range, with penalties increasing accordingly. Drug driving includes both driving with an illicit drug present and driving under the influence, and the two are treated differently by the court.
Other traffic matters we handle
Dangerous, Negligent and Disqualified Driving
Dangerous and negligent driving charges apply where driving falls well below the standard expected, and the most serious versions, involving death or grievous bodily harm, can proceed in the District Court. Driving while disqualified or suspended is also treated seriously, particularly on a second or subsequent occasion.
Licence Appeals and Losing Your Licence
A licence suspension or refusal by Transport for NSW, including for demerit points, can be appealed to the Local Court in appropriate circumstances, with interim stays sometimes available. For most mid and high range drink driving offences, a mandatory disqualification and interlock order applies unless the court is satisfied an exemption is appropriate.
How Shah & Co Lawyers can assist
We help you understand exactly what a charge means for your licence before you get to court.
Drink and Drug Driving
Representation across all drink driving ranges and drug driving offences, including repeat matters.
Dangerous and Negligent Driving
Defence and sentencing representation for dangerous, negligent and reckless driving charges.
Licence Appeals
Appeals to the Local Court against suspension, refusal or demerit point action by Transport for NSW.
Habitual Offender Applications
Habitual offender declarations and applications for early removal of disqualification.
Documents you may need
- Your full driving record from Transport for NSW.
- The police facts sheet and any certificate of analysis.
- Evidence of employment or family need for a licence.
- Character references addressing your general driving history.
Frequently asked questions
General information only. Every matter turns on its own facts.
Other criminal law services
Police Interviews
Advice and representation before, during and after a police interview. We protect your right to silence and your right to legal representation.
View Police InterviewsBail Applications
Urgent bail applications in the Local, District and Supreme Court, prepared quickly and properly, with release plans, sureties and supporting material.
View Bail ApplicationsDrug Offences
Possession, supply, ongoing supply, deemed supply, importation and drug driving matters under the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act and the Criminal Code.
View Drug OffencesAssault Offences
Common assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, reckless wounding, grievous bodily harm and affray. Defence, plea and sentencing representation.
View Assault OffencesAVO Matters
Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders and Apprehended Personal Violence Orders. Defending applications and applying for orders on instructions.
View AVO MattersDomestic Violence Matters
Domestic violence charges, related AVOs and breach of AVO proceedings. We act for both accused persons and protected persons.
View Domestic Violence MattersSpeak with a solicitor about your traffic matter.
Arrange a confidential consultation. Discreet, professional and tailored to your circumstances.