Careless driving, guilty plea

hourly rate of £150 – £200 plus VAT

Background:

  • Each case will be highly fact dependent and the time and costs involved can vary greatly, depending upon the amount of time required to investigate the merits of a case and defences.

Fees:

  • 4 hours attendance/preparation:
    • considering evidence
    • taking your instructions
    • providing advice on likely sentence
  • Attendance and representation at a single hearing at the Magistrates Court (2 hours)

The fee does not include:

  • Travel time, waiting time (both at standard hourly rates of approximately £150 – £200 plus VAT per hour) and travel costs (50p/mile)
  • Instruction of any expert witnesses
  • Taking statements from any witnesses
  • Advice and assistance in relation to a special reasons hearing
  • Advice or assistance in relation to any appeal
  • Costs of a barrister if at a Crown Court

The key stages of your matter are based on the presumption that you will enter a guilty plea and have a date for your hearing.

  • Meet with your solicitor to provide instructions on what happened.
  • We will consider initial disclosure, and any other evidence and provide advice.
  • Arranging to take any witness statements if necessary (this will have an additional cost, of approximately 2 hours per person at our standard rates).
  • We will explain the court procedure to you, so you know what to expect on the day of your hearing, and the sentencing options available to the court.
  • We will conduct any further preparatory work, obtain further instructions from you if necessary and answer any follow up queries you have.
  • We cannot provide a timescale of when your hearing will take place, as this depends on the court listing for that day.
  • We will attend court on the day and meet with you before going before the court. We anticipate being at court for half a day.
  • We will discuss the outcome with you. If advice is required on appeal, this will carry an additional cost.

Sentencing Guidelines:

Careless Driving:

  • Maximum: Unlimited fine
  • Must endorse and may disqualify. If no disqualification, impose 3 – 9 points