What is a Guilty Plea to Road Traffic Offence (Special Reasons)?

A ‘special reasons’ hearing is like a trial. However, it occurs in a road traffic prosecution if you have pleaded guilty, but wish to avoid a mandatory disqualification from driving or mandatory points on your licence. For example, in a case where the defendant drove in a medical emergency, this might be considered a special reason not to get points for speeding. If you are successful in a special reasons hearing, you will not be able to claim your costs back from central (government) funds.

Are you entitled to free advice?

What is included in the Fixed Fee?

The fixed fee includes:

• Obtaining and considering all disclosure from the prosecution 
• All necessary face to face meetings with you to take your instructions and give advice
• All necessary telephone calls and correspondence with you
• All necessary telephone calls and correspondence with the prosecution
• Advocacy in a local (Weston super Mare and Bridgwater) Magistrates’ Court at all necessary hearings up to and including the first day of trial

The fixed fee does not include:

• If you are convicted or unsuccessful, any financial penalties imposed by the court
• Advocacy at a court that is not local
• Any appeal against conviction or sentence to the Crown Court (this should be covered by legal aid)
• Any committal for sentence to the Crown Court (this should be covered by legal aid)
• Extra days if the trial is likely to last more than one day

Why pay a Fixed Fee?

By paying a fixed fee at the start of your case you have certainty about the costs involved. The alternative is to pay an hourly rate (£220 plus VAT) for the time your solicitor spends on your case.