SPECIALISTS IN SERIOUS TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS
PROVEN SUCCESS IN MOTORING DEFENCES
PERSONALISED LEGAL ADVICE FOR DRIVERS
MOTORING OFFENCES LEGAL EXPERTISE
Our motoring offences expertise is built on extensive criminal defence experience and formal recognition through membership of the Law Society’s Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme (CLAS). In addition to motoring matters, our team also advises on family law and civil litigation, giving clients a well-rounded approach to legal challenges. At Shah Law Chambers, we understand the serious legal, financial, and personal consequences that driving-related offences can carry and provide clear, proactive representation at every stage of a police investigation or court case.
SUMMARY MOTORING OFFENCES (MAGISTRATES’ COURT)
Summary offences are generally less serious and are dealt with in the Magistrates’ Court. We regularly advise and represent clients in matters including:
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Speeding offences
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Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving
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Driving without insurance
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Careless or inconsiderate driving
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Failing to stop or exchange details after an accident
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Failing to provide driver or insurance details
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Driving while disqualified
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Driving or being in charge of a vehicle over the alcohol or drug limit
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Failing to provide a specimen
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Fixed-penalty or camera-detected offences (red lights, bus lanes, congestion charges)
FEES, PRICING AND FIXED FEE WORK
All fees are indicative and assessed on a case-by-case basis. For most summary motoring offences, we offer a fixed-fee structure, depending on the number and nature of allegations. As a general guide, an uncontested offence requiring a single Magistrates’ Court hearing typically costs £1,000 + VAT.
FIXED FEE – WHAT’S INCLUDED
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Case preparation and attendance
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Reviewing prosecution evidence
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Taking your instructions
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Advice on sentencing range
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Representation at one Magistrates’ Court hearing
NOT INCLUDED
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Trial hearings
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Expert witnesses
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Defence witness statements
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Special reasons or Newton hearings
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Appeals
Where matters are contested, involve multiple hearings, or require expert evidence, fees are charged at an hourly rate of £300 + VAT, in line with HMCTS guidance.
EITHER-WAY AND INDICTABLE MOTORING OFFENCES
The length of your case depends on how it progresses:
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Out-of-court settlement: typically 6–12 weeks
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Judicial mediation after issuing a claim: 6–9 months
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Final hearing in County or High Court: up to 1 year or longer, depending on court availability
More serious motoring offences may be heard in the Crown Court, even if they begin in the Magistrates’ Court. These include:
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Dangerous driving
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Causing serious injury by careless or dangerous driving
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Causing death by careless or dangerous driving
Such cases require detailed preparation and strategic defence from an early stage.
LIKELY DISBURSEMENTS
Additional costs may arise, including:
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Expert witness reports (forensic/medical): £1,000 – £2,000 + VAT
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Counsel’s fees: £500 – £1,000 + VAT per day
KEY STAGES OF A MOTORING OFFENCE CASE
Your case will typically involve taking detailed instructions, reviewing police and prosecution evidence, advising on disclosure, preparing any witness evidence, and explaining court procedure and sentencing outcomes. We attend court with you, keep you informed of all developments, and advise on appeal prospects where appropriate.​
FACTORS THAT CAN INCREASE COMPLEXITY
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Some cases become more complex due to:
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Challenges to breathalyser or speed-camera evidence
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Multiple offences or defendants
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Requirement for expert evidence
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Lengthy trials
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Appeals against conviction or sentence
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We will always explain how these factors may affect costs and timescales.
EXPECTED TIMESCALES
Timescales depend on whether the matter is resolved early or proceeds to trial. Straightforward motoring offence cases typically conclude within 3–6 months. More complex cases can take 12 months or longer, particularly due to current court backlogs, with some trials listed well into 2026/27. We will keep you updated throughout and progress your case as efficiently as possible.
