Sentencing Guidelines & Possible Penalties
If you are charged or pleading guilty to a motor offence, depending on the severity of the offence, the points and potential disqualification can vary. The points actually stay on your driving record for 3-11 years depending on the offence.
Sentencing Guidelines
Sentencing Guidelines are put in place so that once you plead guilty, or are found to be guilty by the Court, Magistrates have a framework of sentences they can impose.
Magistrates are guided in relation to these sentencing guidelines by the Court Clerk. After they have heard the full facts of your case they will choose the most appropriate sentence.
Sentencing Guidelines are put in place so that once you plead guilty, or are found to be guilty by the Court, Magistrates have a framework of sentences they can impose.
Special reasons is NOT a legal defence. Special reasons is used to convince the courts to not punish you for the offence that you have been charged with, despite technically being guilty of the offence.
The size of your court costs will depend on the duration of your case, the length of your trial and how quickly in proceedings you plead guilty.
The table below shows a range of penalty points for each offence. However, these are guidelines only and can vary remarkably depending on the individual case.
| Offence | Penalty | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| Dangerous Driving | 2 years imprisonment, unlimited fine, obligatory disqualification | 3-11 |
| Drink Driving | Mandatory 12 month disqualification | NA |
| Drug Driving | Mandatory 12 month disqualification | NA |
| Failing to stop and report | 6 months imprisonment, unlimited fine, discretionary disqualification | 5-10 |
| No licence | £1,000 fine, discretionary disqualification | 3-6 |
| No insurance | Unlimited fine, discretionary disqualification | 6-8 |
| Speeding offences | £1,000-£2,500 fine, discretionary disqualification | 3-6 |
| Using a mobile phone | £1,000-£2,500 fine, discretionary disqualification | 6 |
| Careless driving | Unlimited fine/ discretionary disqualification | 3-9 |
| Dangerous vehicles | £2,500- unlimited fine, discretionary or obligatory disqualification depending on previous convictions | 3 |
If you have been charged with a motor offence, contact the team for a free consultation on 01772 447000 or reach out to us on our 7 day a week WhatsApp helpline 07869760533.