Speeding and Section 10 Dismissals and Conditional Release Orders – How You May be Able to Avoid a Conviction

Pleading guilty to a speeding offence doesn’t always mean you will accrue demerit points or be suspended from driving.

You may be able to successfully obtain a non conviction order, which is a finding of guilt with no criminal conviction.

There are a number of different penalties for speeding, and a section 10 dismissal or conditional release order can help you avoid a large fine or suspension from driving.

Whether or not you will be able to get a non conviction order depends largely on the individual circumstances of the offence, your driving history and the skill and experience of your lawyer.

What is a non conviction order?

A non conviction order means that although your are guilty of an offence, no conviction is recorded and in speeding matters, no demerit points or fines are received,

Some non conviction order do come with a good behaviour bond however, which means that you will need to avoid committing any criminal offences over that period.

The magistrate also has the power to impose a condition that you do not commit any ‘moving traffic violations’ which means you cannot commit any further speeding offences, or offences like running through a red light or using your mobile phone whilst driving.

How can I get a non conviction order for speeding?

There are a number of different factors the judge will take into consideration when deciding whether or not to give you a non conviction order.

Although it is best to seek legal advice to find out whether or not you are likely to be able to get a non conviction order in your particular case, here are some of the considerations that determine whether or not a judge or magistrate will hand down a non conviction order for a speeding offence.

• The severity of the offence. How far over the speed limit you were driving at the time of the offence and whether or not it was in a school zone will make a difference to your chances of obtaining a non conviction order. Although it is possible in certain circumstances to obtain a non conviction order for more serious speeding offences, the more minor the infringement the more likely it is that your application for a non conviction order will be successful.

• Your age, character and record. Your own personal circumstances and criminal history will be evaluated when considering whether or not to give you a non conviction order. Providing evidence that you are of good character and good standing in the community can make a positive difference to your chances of getting a non conviction order. Your mental condition will also be evaluated, so if there were any underlying issues that could have contributed to the offence, it is worth mentioning them in court.

• Any extenuating circumstances. If there was anything out of the ordinary that led to the offence being committed, it will also be evaluated. Extenuating circumstances can include anything unusual or unexpected that happened just before you committed the offence.

• Anything else that might be considered relevant. If being disqualified from driving would affect your employment prospects, or have a negative impact on your family commitments, it is worth mentioning this in court. Having a criminal conviction can mean that you can’t work in certain occupations, travel, or obtain visas to certain countries. If this is likely to be an issue for you, the judge may grant you a non conviction order.

If you want to obtain a non conviction order for a speeding offence it is a good idea to speak to an experienced, specialist traffic lawyer with a proven track record in successfully getting non conviction orders for similar matters.

Getting a non conviction order for your speeding offence means that you can get back to normal life and put the court process behind you as soon as possible, and you can avoid the impact that a criminal conviction and disqualification from driving would have on your life.