SANDGATE: Unlicensed Driving SPER Suspended

I appeared at Sandgate Magistrates Court again recently, to represent a client charged with Unlicensed Driving Whilst SPER Suspended.

My client faced a Mandatory Minimum licence disqualification of no less than 1 month, 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.

My client needed to drive outside of public transport hours.

My client faced a maximum penalty for their Unlicensed Driving offence 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 submissions to Police Prosecutions that a lesser charge without a mandatory disqualification was warranted, which were accepted.

I was able to persuade the Magistrate that a fine only was appropriate.

My client was very happy.

Unlicensed Driving is a serious offence.

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

Regards

Andrew Wiseman, Wiseman Lawyers