PINE RIVERS: Repeat Unlicensed Driving 7th Offence Demerit Point Suspended

I appeared at Pine Rivers Magistrates Court again this morning, to represent a client charged with Repeat Unlicensed Driving whilst Demerit Point Suspended.

My client had previously been charged with Unlicensed Driving on 6 occasions.

My client faced a Mandatory Minimum licence disqualification of no less than 6 months, with a lifetime maximum.

There is no provision for a work or hardship licence for persons charged with Unlicensed Driving.

Accordingly, my role was one of getting the disqualification down as low as possible, as opposed to applying for a Work Licence.

As a Painter, my client needed to travel to locations not properly serviced by public transport, or at all.

My client faced a maximum penalty of a lifetime driver’s licence disqualification, 1 year imprisonment and 40 penalty units.

Magistrates have a general power to impose up to a lifetime driver’s licence disqualification, above and beyond any legislated disqualification ranges.

A penalty unit in Queensland is currently valued at $113.85.

Further, persons who plead or are found guilty in the Magistrates Court must pay the Offender Levy, which is presently worth $110.90.

I made detailed and comprehensive verbal submissions to the Magistrate covering a number of key aspects.

I had my client attend a reformatory course which went some way to show the Magistrate that my client had educated themselves on the potential ramifications of their oversight.

I was able to persuade the Magistrate that the Mandatory Minimum 6 month disqualification was appropriate.

My client received a 6 month disqualification, and a modest fine.

My client was understandably extremely relieved.

Unlicensed Driving is a serious offence.

Wiseman Lawyers specialise in Unlicensed Driving, DUI Drink Driving and Traffic Law.

Regards

Andrew Wiseman, Wiseman Lawyers