Driving & Traffic Offences in NSW: Expert Legal Defence
Facing traffic or driving charges in NSW? Whether it's drink driving, speeding, dangerous driving, or licence disqualification, the consequences can be severe — including heavy fines, demerit points, licence suspension, and even imprisonment. With expert legal representation, you can significantly improve your prospects of avoiding conviction, minimising penalties, and keeping your licence.
At Barsha Defence Lawyers, we defend all types of traffic and driving offences across Greater Sydney courts including Parramatta, Blacktown, Penrith, Windsor, and Downing Centre. We've achieved Section 10 dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and reduced disqualification periods for countless clients. This page explains the most common traffic offences we defend and how we can help you.
Facing Court for a Traffic Offence? Get Expert Advice
Free initial consultation • Available 24/7 • Section 10 dismissals our specialty
0474 708 070Why You Need a Lawyer for Traffic Offences
Many people assume traffic matters are "minor" and can be handled without a lawyer. This is a mistake. Even seemingly simple traffic offences can result in:
- Criminal convictions that appear on police checks and background checks
- Licence disqualification that prevents you from driving for work or family responsibilities
- Demerit points that lead to automatic suspension
- Heavy fines and court costs
- Imprisonment for serious offences like dangerous driving or high-range drink driving
With the right legal representation, you can:
What We Achieve for Clients
- Section 10 dismissals — no conviction, no disqualification, no demerit points
- Not guilty verdicts through challenging police evidence and prosecution witnesses
- Reduced disqualification periods on appeal
- Conditional Release Orders without conviction
- Minimised fines and avoided imprisonment
- Early return of licences through interlock orders
Common Driving & Traffic Offences We Defend
Drink & Drug Driving Offences
Drink and drug driving offences carry serious penalties including automatic disqualification and potential imprisonment. We defend all PCA ranges and drug driving charges.
Drink Driving (PCA)
Low, mid, and high range PCA charges. Automatic disqualification applies but Section 10 dismissals are possible for first offenders.
Max: 18 months jail Auto disqual
Learn More →DUI (Driving Under Influence)
Charged when incapable of proper control due to alcohol or drugs. Serious offence carrying same penalties as high range PCA.
Max: 18 months jail Auto disqual
Learn More →Drug Driving
Presence of prescribed illicit drugs detected in oral fluid or blood. No impairment required — strict liability offence.
6-12 months disqual Section 10 possible
Learn More →Dangerous & Reckless Driving Offences
These offences involve objectively dangerous or reckless driving conduct. Maximum penalties range from 9 months to 14 years imprisonment depending on consequences.
Dangerous Driving Causing Death or GBH
Most serious traffic offence. Requires District Court representation and urgent bail application if refused.
Max: 10-14 years jail Expert evidence critical
Learn More →Negligent Driving Causing Death or GBH
Less serious than dangerous driving but still carries automatic disqualification and potential imprisonment.
Max: 18 months jail Section 10 possible for GBH
Learn More →Drive Furiously / Recklessly
Dangerous driving that did not cause death or injury. Common charge for street racing, burnouts, hooning.
Max: 9-12 months jail Auto disqual
Learn More →Speeding & Traffic Rule Violations
Speeding offences range from penalty notices to serious criminal charges. We handle court elections and excessive speeding prosecutions.
Speeding Offences
Excessive speeding (30+ km/h over) carries automatic disqualification and potential imprisonment. Court elections available for lower speeds.
Section 10s common Challenge camera accuracy
Learn More →Police Pursuit
Failing to stop for police when required and driving dangerously. Very serious charge carrying up to 3 years imprisonment.
Max: 3 years jail Bail often refused
Learn More →Failing to Stop After Accident
Leaving scene of accident without stopping and providing details. Penalties depend on whether injury or property damage occurred.
Max: 18 months jail Auto disqual if injury
Learn More →Licence-Related Offences
Driving without a valid licence carries mandatory additional disqualification periods on top of existing suspensions.
Driving Whilst Disqualified / Suspended
Driving during court-imposed disqualification or administrative suspension. Mandatory minimum 12 months additional disqualification.
Max: 18 months jail Mandatory add'l disqual
Learn More →Licence Appeals
Appeal excessive disqualification periods to District Court or apply for alcohol interlock to drive sooner.
28-day time limit Interlock available
Learn More →How We Defend Traffic Charges
Our approach to traffic offence defence includes:
1. Challenging the Prosecution Evidence
- Reviewing breath test procedures for technical compliance errors
- Challenging speed camera and radar accuracy through calibration records
- Cross-examining police witnesses on inconsistencies in their observations
- Obtaining and analysing dashcam and CCTV footage
- Engaging accident reconstruction experts for dangerous driving matters
2. Raising Legal Defences
- Honest and reasonable mistake (didn't know licence was suspended)
- Necessity or emergency (genuine medical emergency)
- Not the driver (identity challenges)
- Home safe rule and two-hour rule (for drink driving)
- Procedural failures by police
- Medical incapacity (automatism)
3. Minimising Penalties Through Strong Sentencing Cases
- Gathering compelling character references from employers, community leaders, family
- Demonstrating licence dependency for work and family responsibilities
- Completing traffic offender programs and rehabilitation courses
- Obtaining psychological or medical reports where relevant
- Presenting detailed submissions on why a Section 10 dismissal is appropriate
- Proposing alternative penalties that avoid disqualification
Section 10 Dismissals: Our specialty is achieving Section 10 dismissals for first-time traffic offenders. This results in no conviction, no disqualification, no demerit points, and no criminal record. With the right preparation and advocacy, Section 10s are achievable for many traffic offences including drink driving, drug driving, negligent driving, and speeding.
Courts We Attend
We regularly appear in traffic matters at:
Local Courts
Parramatta, Blacktown, Penrith, Windsor, Castle Hill, Hornsby, Liverpool, Campbelltown, Downing Centre, and all other NSW Local Courts
District Courts
Parramatta District Court, Penrith District Court, Sydney District Court — for dangerous driving trials and licence appeals
Supreme Court
NSW Supreme Court for bail applications and complex appeals
See our full list on the Courts We Attend page.
What to Do If You've Been Charged
If you've been charged with a traffic offence:
- Don't panic or plead guilty immediately. Many traffic charges can be successfully defended or result in no conviction with proper legal representation.
- Contact a lawyer immediately. Early advice improves your prospects significantly. We offer free initial consultations.
- Don't speak to police without a lawyer present. Anything you say in an ERISP interview can be used against you. Call us before agreeing to any interview.
- Keep all documents. Court Attendance Notice, Field Court Attendance Notice, penalty notices, bail paperwork — bring everything to your consultation.
- Don't drive if disqualified or suspended. Driving whilst disqualified carries mandatory additional disqualification on top of your existing period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Section 10 for a traffic offence?
Yes. Section 10 dismissals are commonly granted for first-time traffic offenders with clean driving records and strong personal circumstances. We specialise in achieving Section 10s for drink driving, drug driving, negligent driving, and speeding offences.
Will I lose my licence?
It depends on the offence. Some offences carry automatic disqualification (drink driving, dangerous driving, police pursuit). Others carry demerit points that may lead to suspension if you exceed your limit. With strong legal representation, you may avoid disqualification through a Section 10 dismissal.
Should I pay the fine or elect to go to court?
If you are close to losing your licence due to demerit points, depend on your licence for work, have a clean driving record, or believe you have a defence, you should elect to go to court. Contact us for advice before making this decision.
What if I need my licence for work?
Courts consider licence dependency when sentencing, and it can support an argument for a Section 10 dismissal or reduced disqualification. However, work dependency alone won't prevent disqualification for serious offences. Character references from your employer are critical.
Can I appeal my disqualification?
Yes. You can appeal the disqualification period to the District Court within 28 days. You can also apply for an alcohol interlock order after serving half your disqualification, allowing you to drive sooner with an interlock device fitted.
How much do traffic lawyers charge?
We offer fixed fees for most traffic matters. Simple guilty plea matters typically range from $1,500-$3,000. Defended hearings range from $3,000-$8,000+. Contact us for a precise quote for your matter.
Contact Barsha Defence Lawyers Today
Don't face traffic charges alone. Get expert legal advice and representation.
0474 708 070Free initial consultation • Fixed fees • Available 24/7
The information on this page is general and does not constitute legal advice. Every traffic matter is different. Contact Barsha Defence Lawyers for advice tailored to your situation. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.