What should you do if you receive a notification of intended prosecution (NIP) or summons for motoring offences?

First, don't ignore it. It won't go away, and the consequences are likely to be less severe if you deal with it as soon as possible.

A NIP is sent when the police believe you've committed a motoring offence, but need to confirm your identity. This will happen when the offence was captured by a speed camera.

Once your identity has been confirmed, or if you were cautioned by the police at the time of the offence, you'll receive a summons for a hearing at a magistrate's court.

It's important to study the documents you've received very carefully. Make sure you fully understand what you've been charged with, and the facts supporting it. It may help to make notes on your version of events.

At the first hearing you'll have the option of pleading guilty or not guilty. If you plead guilty, you will likely be sentenced at that hearing. You should receive a more lenient sentence than if you were found guilty.

There are few full defences to motoring offences, and it's usually advisable to argue factors to try to reduce the sentence rather than avoid it completely.

It should also be noted that you're likely to receive a harsher sentence if you try and argue an unreasonable defence.

If you do plead not guilty, the matter will be adjourned and a full trial will take place at a later date.

Access Legal from Shoosmiths offers fixed fee arrangements for dealing with motor prosecution defences. We'll tell you upfront what it will cost, and there'll be no hidden extras.

We'll arrange for an expert barrister to represent you at the hearing and either defend you or argue points in mitigation to get you a reduced sentence.

We offer free, no obligation advice, and are happy to advise on which service best suits your needs.

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