Traffic Lawyers Sydney
We provide exceptional legal guidance to people facing drink driving charges, licence suspensions and other legal traffic matters.
- Drink & Drug Driving Charges
- License Suspension & Disqualification
- DUI Work License
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Lawyers Available 24/7
Free 1st Consultation
Expert Traffic Defence to Protect Your Licence & Record
A traffic offence in Sydney can have serious consequences, from heavy fines and demerit points to the loss of your driver’s licence and even a criminal record.Â
At Daoud Legal: Sydney Criminal Defence & Traffic Lawyers, our senior traffic lawyers have a formidable track record of achieving exceptional results for our clients.Â
We provide robust representation across the full spectrum of traffic law matters, specialising in:
- Dangerous Driving
- Drink Driving
- Driving While Unlicensed
- Driving Whilst Disqualified
- Driving Whilst Suspended
- Drug Driving
- Fail to Undergo Breath Analysis
- Fail to Undergo Breath Test
- Failing to Stop & Assist After Impact
- Furious Driving
- Habitual Offender Declaration
- Licence Appeals (Demerit Points)
- Licence Appeals (Speeding)
- Negligent Driving
- Police Pursuit
- Predatory Driving
- Red Light Cameras
- Reckless Driving
- Remove Licence Disqualification
- SDRO Enforcement Orders
- Speeding Offences
- Street Racing
- Traffic Offenders Program
- Using Mobile Phone While Driving
Understanding Your Traffic Charge
In NSW, most traffic offences are “strict liability,” meaning the prosecution only needs to prove the act occurred, not your intention. Matters are governed by the Road Transport Act 2013 (NSW), but more serious charges can fall under the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), each with its own complex rules and procedures.
Understanding which laws apply to your charge is the foundation of a successful defence. An expert traffic lawyer can immediately identify the relevant legislation and build a strategy to protect your rights from the very beginning.
Serious vs. Minor Traffic Offences
Traffic law covers a wide range of offences, from non-serious matters like parking fines to serious charges like drink driving and negligent driving causing injury. Each category requires a different legal approach, carries vastly different penalties, and demands a unique strategy.
Failing to understand the specifics of your charge can have devastating consequences for your licence and freedom. Engaging a specialist traffic lawyer ensures your case is handled with the appropriate level of skill and attention from the start.
How to Successfully Contest a Fine
Many people mistakenly believe a traffic fine is impossible to fight. However, the legal system is designed to protect you from injustice, and if you believe you did not commit the offence as alleged, there are often strong grounds to successfully contest the charge in court.
A successful defence starts with a detailed analysis of the evidence and police procedure. Daoud Legal: Sydney Criminal Defence & Traffic Lawyers specialises in finding the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case to have charges dismissed.
Pleading 'Not Guilty' to a Traffic Charge
If you have received a fine or have been charged with an offence you don’t believe you committed, you have the right to plead ‘not guilty’. This will set the matter for a hearing where the prosecution must prove every element of their case against you beyond a reasonable doubt.
Police can make mistakes, and challenging their evidence is your legal right. A carefully prepared ‘not guilty’ plea, supported by expert legal representation, gives you the best chance of being acquitted and keeping a clean record.
Pleading 'Guilty' to a Traffic Charge
If you accept that you committed the offence, pleading ‘guilty’ early can demonstrate remorse and often leads to a more lenient sentence from the court. The Magistrate will want to understand the circumstances of the offence, your character, and any steps you’ve taken to address underlying issues.
Presenting this information effectively through compelling submissions can significantly reduce penalties. Our lawyers are experts at preparing these submissions to ensure the court sees you in the most favourable light possible.
Appealing Your Licence Suspension
If you receive an infringement notice for certain offences like speeding, or an on-the-spot police suspension, you have the right to appeal the decision in your local court. To succeed, you must provide compelling evidence explaining why the suspension is unjust or why you have a critical need for your licence.
Strict time limits apply to these appeals, often just 28 days from the date of the notice. Seeking immediate legal advice is essential to ensure your appeal is lodged correctly and your best case is put forward to the court.
Preparing Your Case for Court
A successful court outcome depends on thorough and strategic preparation. This includes gathering strong character references, considering rehabilitative programs like the Traffic Offenders Program, and understanding proper court etiquette to show you take the matter seriously.
Your presentation and attitude are critical factors that the Magistrate will consider during sentencing. An expert lawyer will guide you on exactly what you need to do before your court date to maximise your chances of a favourable result.
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What Our Clients Say
- Ironclad Defence
We build a powerful & proactive defence from the very beginning. We prepare & identify every weakeness in the prosecution’s case to secure your defence.
- Fierce Advocacy
Our lawyers are your fierce advocates, both in & out of the courtroom. We are committed to protecting your rights, your future, and your peace of mind with fearless representation.
Have Sydney's Best Criminal & Traffic Lawyers On Your Side
When you face a criminal or traffic charge, having a formidable legal team in your corner is not a luxury – it’s a necessity. At Daoud Legal: Sydney Criminal Defence & Traffic Lawyers, our reputation for relentless advocacy and strategic excellence is why we are consistently involved in significant, high-profile cases.
Our work, often highlighted by the media, demonstrates our commitment to every client. We apply the same level of tenacity and expert skill to your case, ensuring you feel protected and have a clear path forward.
Upfront, Fixed-Fee Representation
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Why Choose Daoud Legal: Sydney Criminal Defence & Traffic Lawyers
A Winning Record
With a 99% success rate, we have a history of winning cases. We focus on having charges dropped, securing 'not guilty' verdicts, and saving our clients' licences.
Expert Traffic Law Specialists
Our senior lawyers have over 40 years of combined experience in traffic law. Their deep knowledge and courtroom skills give you a significant advantage.
Free Strategy Session & 24/7 Help
We offer a free initial Strategy Session to assess your case and outline your options. Our team is available 24/7 because immediate legal advice is crucial.
Penalty Reduction Achieved
Client Satisfaction Rate
Our Lawyers
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FAQs
Do I have to go to court for a traffic offence?
You must attend court if you receive a Court Attendance Notice (CAN). For minor infringements where you only receive a fine, you can choose to pay it or elect to have the matter heard in court.
What are the most common traffic offences in Sydney?
Common offences include speeding, drink and drug driving, using a mobile phone, running a red light, and driving while unlicensed or suspended.
What are the penalties for traffic offences in NSW?
Penalties vary widely and can include fines, demerit points, licence suspension or disqualification, and for serious offences, a criminal conviction and even imprisonment.
Will I get a criminal record for a traffic offence?
You will only get a criminal record if your case is dealt with by a court and a conviction is recorded. Paying a standard infringement notice for speeding or mobile phone use does not result in a criminal record.
Is drink driving a criminal offence?
Yes, drink driving is a criminal offence. However, if you receive an on-the-spot fine for a low-range offence and pay it, no criminal conviction is recorded. A conviction is only recorded if the matter is dealt with in court.
I’ve been charged with a serious traffic offence. What should I do?
You will receive a summons with your charge and court date. You must decide whether to plead guilty or not guilty. It is crucial to seek legal advice immediately to understand the evidence against you and your best course of action.
Should I plead guilty or not guilty?
Pleading guilty may result in a more lenient sentence but can lead to a conviction. Pleading not guilty allows you to challenge the evidence in court. An experienced lawyer can advise on the best plea based on your case.
What if this is my first offence?
Being a first-time offender may result in some leniency from the court, such as a reduced penalty, but this is never guaranteed.
Can the police take my number plates or impound my car?
Yes, for certain serious offences like street racing, police pursuits, or high-range drink driving, police can impound your vehicle or confiscate your number plates for a set period.
Can I get my impounded car or number plates back early?
You can apply to the court for an early release. The court will consider factors like potential hardship to others and whether the vehicle is likely to be used for further offences.
I was caught driving without a valid licence. How serious is this?
Driving unlicensed, suspended, or disqualified is a serious offence that the courts treat harshly. Penalties can include large fines, further disqualification periods, and for repeat offenders, imprisonment.
What is a licence suspension?
A licence suspension is a temporary ban on driving for a set period. Once the suspension period ends, your licence is automatically reinstated.
What is a licence disqualification?
A licence disqualification is a court-ordered ban on driving for a specific period. After the period ends, you must reapply to have your licence issued again.
What is a Good Behaviour Licence in NSW?
If you reach your demerit point limit, you can choose a 12-month good behaviour period instead of a suspension. If you accrue two or more points during this time, your licence will be suspended for double the original period.
Can I get a restricted or work licence in NSW?
No, NSW does not have dedicated “work licences” for suspended or disqualified drivers. The only way to drive legally for work is to have the suspension or disqualification successfully appealed or removed.
What should I do if I am pulled over by the police?
Stay calm and be polite. You must provide your name, address, and driver’s licence if requested. You have the right to remain silent regarding the details of an alleged offence until you have spoken to a lawyer.
Do I need a lawyer for a traffic offence?
While not mandatory for all matters, legal advice is highly recommended for any court attendance. A lawyer can help navigate the process, build a defence, and argue for a reduced penalty, significantly improving your outcome.
How can a traffic lawyer help my case?
An expert lawyer can analyse the prosecution’s evidence, negotiate with police, identify legal defences, and present compelling arguments for leniency in court, often leading to charges being dropped or penalties reduced.
What should I wear to court?
Presentation is important. You should dress neatly and respectfully, as if for a professional job interview. Avoid casual wear like shorts, thongs, hats, or clothing with offensive slogans.
What court will my traffic matter be heard in?
Most traffic offences in NSW are dealt with in the Local Court. More serious offences that result in grievous bodily harm or death may be heard in the District or Supreme Court.
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