Services

Land Transport Law

 

We regularly take cases concerning dangerous or careless driving (with or without injury), falling foul of the "boy-racer" laws, drink driving and limited licences. With respect to drink driving, Roderick offers leading edge drink-drive law analysis, and can provide a flat-fee service. Whether you wish to defend your charges, try to keep your driver's licence (or car, if it is liable for confiscation) or apply for a work licence, we can help 


Many offences against the Land Transport Act 1998 ("the Act") carry with them a mandatory loss of licence, ranging from 6 months to indefinitely. There are a couple of exceptions to this, and if you are facing the loss of your licence we can outline these for you. Due to the "boy-racer" legislation, there are many situations where if you commit two qualifying offences against the Act in a four year period, your car is liable to be confiscated. Again, while this is mandatory and the Court has little discretion, there are sometimes ways around this and Roderick will advise you if any other options are available.


If you have no previous convictions, and are charged with a relatively minor offence, you may have the option of applying for a discharge without conviction.


If you have been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, Roderick can offer an exceptional service with cutting edge legal analysis, and an appreciation of the effects of alcohol by virtue of his role as a doctor and a lawyer. While the majority of the strictly legal defences have been cured by the legislation over the years, there are still a number of technical arguments to be run, and the ability to avoid a conviction.


If you plead guilty or are found guilty, you may be eligible for a limited licence, commonly known as a work licence. If your licence is suspended due to excess demerit points, there is no stand down period for this. If you have been disqualified by the Court, there is usually a 28 day stand down period before a limited licence can be issued. Because of this delay, it is imperative that if you need your licence and are due to lose it, arrangements are put in place to make the application at the soonest opportunity. Roderick will discuss this with you if need be.


Stephen and Roderick have represented a number of professional drivers over the years, including bus, truck, courier and taxi drivers. For many of us, the ability to drive is integral to our livelihoods, and we will ensure that if you can remain on the road you will.