Although not everyone is a perfect driver, some people drive without regard for other road users. Bad driving habits have consequences, and you risk losing your driving license if caught. Motor vehicle offenses come in a wide variety, each with unique defenses and factors to consider. Here, we discuss the most prevalent motoring offenses along with their likely repercussions and punishments.
Driving under the influence
A driving prohibition and a 10-year prison sentence are possible penalties for this offense. The punishments will vary from case to case, depending on how much alcohol or drugs the offender has used. That becomes clear after the tests are analyzed. It’s crucial to consult with nearby motoring defense attorneys to build a strong case before a hearing to reduce penalties.
Overspeeding
Speeding is the most common traffic infraction and carries a 3-6 point penalty or a driving suspension. Frequently, people speed due to uncertainty about new speed limits in place. The court may consider disqualifying you if observed traveling at speeds of more than 30 miles per hour over the posted limit (for instance, 105 mph on a highway).
However, you may not necessarily receive a ban. Instead, you may only receive penalty points if your mitigation is presented expertly. If you are in the UK and require legal representation, see motordefencelawyers.co.uk/motoring-offences for professional advice.
Death resulting from careless driving
Serious offenses that frequently result in a jail sentence include causing death through negligent or unsafe driving. In such scenarios, it is best to retain a lawyer. This is because a second autopsy is often required to accurately determine the cause of death. If you wait too long before engaging a lawyer, there might not be enough time to get this autopsy done before the funeral.
Failure to provide a breath/urine/blood sample
Refusing to give a sample when the police pull you over shows that you were drinking and driving. Nevertheless, there are various reasons, such as issues with asthma, mental illnesses, or needle phobia, why someone can refuse to give breath, blood, or urine samples.
Police officers follow the proper method when drivers refuse to produce body samples. It’s crucial to seek the legal counsel of a motoring defense solicitor to ensure appropriate protocols are followed before deciding on your plea.
Driving without insurance
Driving while uninsured entails a 6–8 point penalty, a driving suspension, and a fine. Like many traffic offenses, you might have committed it without your knowledge; for instance, you might not be aware that a policy has expired. In this situation, you won’t have a defense but may be able to convince the judge to forgo assigning any penalty points for a “special reason,” even though you won’t have a defense. The term “Special Reasons” refers to appropriate considerations that the appeals courts have determined.
Dangerous driving
Compared to “careless” driving, commonly perceived as an accident, dangerous driving is an act done on purpose. Two years in prison are the maximum penalty for reckless driving. Typically, this offense also results in a driving ban, and one must pass a new driving test before regaining driving privileges.
