My client had been charged with drive whilst suspended. Unfortunately he did not have a great driving record.. The minimum disqualification for your first drive whilst suspended/disqualified charge is 12 months so he was possibly facing some tough penalties.
He needed his licence for work, to assist elderly family members and to spend time with children. However what was unusual was that my client had recently been suffering from an as yet undiagnosed mental disturbance that has been affecting all aspects of his life, including his employment. Third party witnesses were able to verify the change in behaviour and a doctor’s report was obtained.
I represented him at Court and he pleaded guilty to the offence. We presented evidence to the court in relation to all the circumstances of the offence as well as the specific relevant personal facts relating to the client. After making detailed submissions to the Magistrate, I was able to obtain a 10 dismissal, where the matter was dismissed without a conviction being recorded. The client therefore kept his licence.
The client was exceedingly pleased with this result. It exceeded his expectations, allowed him to continue his employment, and to spend time with his children. Perhaps of most importance was that it gave him the incentive to seek medical assistance and improve his life without the burden of a licence disqualification and criminal conviction.