I recently represented a client at Aldershot Magistrates’ Court who faced two charges: failing to stop after an accident and failing to report an accident. The sentencing range for these two offences is between 10 penalty points and disqualification.
My client was a new driver and faced losing his licence and having to retake his test if he received more than 5 penalty points within the first two years of driving. His case looked hopeless.
As a result of my negotiations with the Crown Prosecution Lawyer the charges were reduced. I was then able to mitigate and my client avoided losing his licence.
This type of negotiation between lawyers is a subtle art. Unfortunately, if you don’t have a lawyer, you can’t participate.