Defending Unlicensed and Suspended Drivers.
Put your worries to rest knowing you are defended by Donnelly Law Group – specialist traffic lawyers with 50+ years of combined experience fighting unlicensed and suspended driving charges in Queensland.
On a daily basis, we help people attain the best possible outcome in their traffic matters – helping them win back their licence and livelihood sooner. Regardless of whether you have been charged with driving while suspended or unlicensed, we have experience defending your case.
Our traffic lawyers have built a proven track record by combining personal support with legal expertise. We get to know you personally so that we can provide advice on the practical steps and driver programs you need to undertake for a winning chance in court. This relationship also gives us the insight we need to tailor your personalised defence strategy – one that takes full advantage of your case’s unique evidence and mitigating factors for the best possible result.
See Disqualified Driving for more information on disqualified driving offences.
Our Lawyers Specialise in Unlicensed and Suspended Driving Offences
- Driving While Suspended Due to Demerit Points
- Driving While Suspended for Non-Payment of Fines
- Driving While Immediately Suspended
- Driving While Never Held a Licence
- Repeat Suspended and Unlicensed Drivers
- All Unlicensed and Suspended Driving Offences
Book An Appointment.
Our Legal Strategy in Unlicensed and Suspended Driving Matters.
The traffic lawyers at Donnelly Law Group are experts in unlicensed and suspended driving offences. We use a two-pronged approach to achieve the best possible outcome in your matter.
Firstly, we expertly analyse the evidence in your case (including the reason for your suspension, your reason for driving and more). We also scrutinise whether you were made adequately aware of your suspension by the authorities (e.g. the Department of Transport and Main Roads). Any one piece of evidence may give rise to a legal defence and help us tailor a winning strategy.
Secondly, our specialist traffic lawyers get to know you and your circumstances through open and honest conversation. In some cases, we may arrange for you to undertake practical measures and driver programs that benefit your defence. This helps us prove to the magistrate that you are unlikely to offend again and should therefore receive a more favourable outcome.
By using a combined approach of legal strategy and rehabilitation, Donnelly Law Group can help you attain the best possible result in court and restore your livelihood as quickly as possible.
- Workers who need to drive for their jobs.
- Parents and carers who need to drive loved ones.
- Truck, bus and taxi drivers.
- Drivers with no prior convictions.
- Drivers with one or more prior convictions.
- People who made an honest mistake.
Our Personal Support System in Suspended and Unlicensed Driving Matters.
Donnelly Law Group understands how stressful and embarrassing it can be to be charged with suspended or unlicensed driving. We make this turbulent period in your life as easy and stress-free as possible with our personal support system.
Our traffic lawyers ensure that you are kept up to date throughout the entire legal process with regular and clear communication. Should you have any questions, we are always here to provide answers and guidance. Plus, we will supply you with step-by-step guides on your role in the process.
The personal support we offer also plays a vital part in shaping your legal defence. Should you want to plead guilty, our traffic lawyers will help you arrange any practical measures and driver programs necessary to prove to the magistrate that you are unlikely to offend again. This also helps us demonstrate to the court how crucial your licence is to your career and family.
We genuinely care and want to attain the best possible outcome for you – both in the courtroom and in your personal life.
FAQs.
What should I do if the police want to talk to me about an unlicensed or suspended driving offence?
If the police pull you over, you must comply if they ask for your name and address, driver’s licence and a drug or alcohol test. It is an offence if you refuse to comply with these requests.
You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer any further questions from the police, make any statements or participate in a police interview.
Immediately contact Donnelly Law Group at the first opportunity. One of our lawyers or trained support staff will discuss your options and explain how to achieve the best possible outcome.
Do I need a lawyer for an unlicensed or suspended driving offence?
Having defended and witnessed thousands of unlicensed and suspended driving matters in Queensland, it is apparent that defendants achieve the best outcome when they are represented by a lawyer who specialises in traffic offences.
Our traffic lawyers understand the legal defences and mitigating factors the court is looking for when deciding the outcome and sentence in your matter. We are experts at preparing your case and presenting these factors to the magistrate so that you attain the best possible result.
People who do not engage the help of a specialist traffic lawyer often fail to present these mitigating factors to the court and suffer heavier penalties as a consequence.
Will my lawyer represent me in court?
Donnelly Law Group’s expert team of traffic lawyers will research, strategise and prepare your case for you. We will then represent you in court and methodically argue your defence in order to attain the best possible outcome.
What legislation covers unlicensed and suspended driving offences in Queensland?
In Queensland, unlicensed and suspended driving offences appear under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995.
What are the penalties for unlicensed and suspended driving offences in Queensland?
In Queensland, unlicensed and suspended driving offences carry criminal penalties and mandatory disqualification periods.
| Offence | Maximum Fine | Maximum Prison Sentence | Mandatory Disqualification Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving While Suspended for Non-Payment of Fines | 40 Penalty Units | 12 Months | 1-6 Months |
| Driving While Non-Qld Licence Suspended Due to Demerit Points | 40 Penalty Units | 12 Months | 6 Months |
| Driving While Immediately Suspended (e.g. after drink or drug driving) | 40 Penalty Units | 12 Months | 2-5 Years |
| Driving While Never Held a Licence | 40 Penalty Units | 12 Months | 3 Months |
| Repeat Unlicensed Driver | 40 Penalty Units | 12 Months | 1-6 Months |
| Allowing Another Person to Drive Unlicensed | 20 Penalty Units | 6 Months |
The magistrate takes into account the driver’s criminal history and driving history when determining the fine or prison sentence for an unlicensed or suspended driving offence. Drivers who commit repeat offences face higher penalties and potentially prison.
Contact Donnelly Law Group today so that we can discuss your charges and circumstances and explain the likely outcomes.
Note that the value of a penalty unit does change occasionally in line with the government’s indexation policy. You can find the current dollar value of a penalty unit here to calculate the maximum fine for each driving offence.
Can I apply for a work licence if convicted of an unlicensed or suspended driving offence?
If you are convicted of an unlicensed or suspended driving offence, you cannot apply for a restricted licence (i.e. a work licence).
Are there any legal defences to unlicensed or suspended driving?
Yes, there are legal defences available in suspended driving matters in Queensland.
One potential defence is honest and reasonable mistake (i.e. you were unaware at the time of driving that your licence was suspended).
Donnelly Law Group’s specialist traffic lawyers will assess the evidence and circumstances in your case when determining whether any legal defences may apply.
What is the penalty for letting an unlicensed driver drive your car?
In Queensland, it is an offence to allow another person to drive a motor vehicle on a road if you know the other person does not hold an appropriate driver licence.
The maximum penalty for letting an unlicensed driver drive your car is a fine of 20 penalty units or 6 months imprisonment.
You can find the current dollar value of a penalty unit here to calculate the maximum fine.
How much does Donnelly Law Group charge for unlicensed or suspended driving matters?
A lot of people believe that they cannot afford to hire an expert traffic lawyer. But at Donnelly Law Group, we ensure that our legal fees are affordable so that everyone can access high-quality legal representation in Queensland.
We will provide you with a fixed quote after your free initial consultation. A fixed fee ensures that you have total transparency over costs and won’t receive any surprising invoices.
Contact Donnelly Law Group today to book your free consultation and receive a fixed quote.
See our page on Legal Fees for more information on payment plans and options.
Can Donnelly Law Group help me if I live outside of Brisbane and the Gold Coast?
Donnelly Law Group regularly represents people living all over the Sunshine Coast and regional Queensland (including Toowoomba, Noosa, Maroochydore, Cairns, Townsville, Rainbow Beach, Mackay, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and more.)
We can hold meetings with our regional clients over the phone, via video conference or in person. Our lawyers travel to courts all over Queensland to represent locals in criminal, traffic, drink driving and domestic violence matters and bail applications.
It can be difficult to find high-quality legal representation in regional Queensland. Do not hesitate to contact Donnelly Law Group for the best possible outcome in your matter.
