Get expert advice and representation for driving and traffic offences in Victoria
- Driving and traffic charges can range from minor summary offences to more serious indictable crimes
- It’s important to access the proper representation early as driving and traffic offences can lead to large fines, loss of demerit points, loss of licence, or imprisonment
- JDA lawyers are well equipped to represent you in both the Victorian Magistrates’ and County Courts where traffic offences are heard
Need immediate assistance in relation to a driving or traffic offence?
Call James Dowsley & Associates 24/7 on (03) 9781 4900
Types of Driving and Traffic Offences
There are various types of driving and traffic offences in Victoria which apply to both car drivers and motorcyclists. There are also some specific laws which apply to P plate and Learner drivers.
Penalties
Penalties for these types of crimes can be:
- The charge being noted on your criminal record
- A fine
- Temporary suspension or permanent disqualification of your licence
- A diversion program
- A community corrections order
- Imprisonment
- Impoundment of your vehicle
Find out more about some of the major driving and traffic crimes, and visit our Drink Driving page to learn more about this common offence.
Excessive Speeding
The Road Safety Act 1986 and the Road Safety (Drivers) Regulations 2009 outline the penalties for different levels of speeding in Victoria.
Mandatory licence suspensions are listed under these laws and regulations.
Excessive Speeding is considered to be:
- Going over the speed limit by 25 km/h or more
- Driving faster than 130 km/h
Hoon Driving
Victoria has specific anti-hooning laws as set out in the Road Safety Act 1986, the Crimes Act 1958, and the Road Safety Rules 2009.
Hooning offences are divided into two types:
Serious type 1 offences include:
- Being caught driving without a valid licence for the second time
- Speeding 70km/h over the speed limit
- Driving 170km/h or more in a 110km/h speed zone
- Reckless driving while being pursued by the police
Need a Criminal Lawyer in Melbourne for a Driving or Traffic Offence?
For 24/7 advice on driving and traffic related charges you can contact
JDA’s criminal lawyers on (03) 9781 4900
Key contacts
Speak to our criminal law specialists
Scott Kaiser
Criminal Defence Lawyer Frankston
Scott was admitted into the Legal Profession in September 2019
03 9781 4900 - scottk@jdalaw.com.au
James Dowsley
Principal & Accredited Criminal Law Specialist
James has been involved in the Criminal Justice System as a Lawyer for over 25 years and gained his Specialist Accreditation from the Law Institute of Victoria in 2002. Being a dedicated advocate for clients human rights, James has a passion for defending his clients in the Australian Courts.
03 8602 1400 - jamesd@jdalaw.com.au
Shaana Wilk
Criminal Defence Lawyer Moorabbin/Highett
Since completing her Articles of Clerkship in Criminal Law and Commercial Litigation at Birch Ross & Barlow Solicitors, Shaana has practiced solely within the Criminal Law jurisdiction. Joining the JDA family in 2010, Shanna began her at our Frankston office. Since 2012 Shanna has been the sole solicitor at our Moorabbin/Highett office.
03 9555 4442 - shaanaw@jdalaw.com.au
Domenic Care
Accredited Criminal Law Specialist – Criminal Defence Lawyer - Melbourne
Domenic Care joined James Dowsley & Associates in 2013. He appears regularly in the Magistrates’ Court, County Court and Children’s Court of Victoria for matters including plea hearings, contested bail applications and appeal hearings.
03 8602 1400 - domenicc@jdalaw.com.au
Kieran Reynolds
Accredited Criminal Law Specialist – Criminal Defence Lawyer
Kieran joined the JDA family in 2015 having worked at several large Criminal Law firms since 2004. He regularly appears in both the Magistrates Court and County Court in a diverse range of matters. Kieran was admitted as an Accredited Criminal Law Speciality in 2009 and has maintained his Specialist Accreditation every year since. He is committed to ensuring that the rights of his clients are upheld in court.
03 8602 1400 - kieranr@jdalaw.com.au
Brett Barratt
Criminal Defence Lawyer - Melbourne
Brett joined the JDA family in 2013 as a law clerk. He has since then worked as a paralegal at our Dandenong office between September 2015 and March 2016. Commencing as a Lawyer at our Frankston office in March 2016. He appears regularly on behalf of clients facing a range of summary and indictable criminal matters in the Magistrates’ Court. Brett also instructs counsel and assists in the preparation and running of complex indictable criminal cases in the County Court.
03 8602 1400 - brettb@jdalaw.com.au
Jackson McLeod
Criminal Defence Lawyer Frankston
Having previously interned at the Victorian Law Reform Commission, JobWatch Victoria and Refugee Legal and the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, Jackson has dedicated his career to providing access to justice to those who need it most. He regularly appears in the Magistrates’ Court and has instructed in the County Court. Jackson applies his keen attention to detail and broad knowledge of the law to all of his matters, and capably and professionally handles pleas, bail applications and case conferences at the Magistrates’’ Court.
03 9781 4900 - jacksonm@jdalaw.com.au
Bridie O’Malley
Criminal Defence Lawyer Dandenong
Bridie joined the JDA family in 2014 commencing as a volunteer law student, assisting in the formation of our Intervention Order section. Graduating to become a paralegal at our Dandenong office in 2016 and joining our team of lawyers in 2017.
03 8788 5600 - bridieo@jdalaw.com.au
