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There are a small number of situations where you do not have the right to silence and that includes advising who was the driver of a motor vehicle if requested by Police. Where you are the registered owner of a vehicle, the Court of Appeal have determined that there is no right to silence when Police issue a section 60 demand as to who had control of your motor vehicle on a particular time and date.
An accused should consider the following:
Unfortunately, while there is a legal concept known as the postal rule which provides that as long as something has been posted it is deemed to have been delivered, the Road Safety Act 1986 at s 60(6) allows the Police to post out a letter requesting information to you however if that letter is returned undelivered to Police, they can deem that request has been adequately served on the person. This is a technicality which should be closely assessed.
S 60 of the Road Safety Act 1986 provides the offence elements, being
If the accused is found guilty of the offence, and
Upon a finding of guilt for this offence, the legislation states that the Court may cancel all driver licences and permits held and disqualify them from obtaining a license or permit for a period of time that the Court sees fit.
Prior to March 2022, upon a finding of guilty, the Court was mandated to cancel all driver licences and permits held by the person and disqualify them from obtaining a new licence or permit for a minimum two years for a first offence and four years for a subsequent offence. (Transport Legislation Miscellaneous Amendments Act 2021 (Vic) s 56)
The legislation now provides that the Court has a discretion as to whether to cancel any driver licences upon a finding of guilt. For this reason, it is important to discuss this charge with one of our criminal lawyers to ensure the Court do not exercise their discretion to interfere with your licence.
Failing to nominate the driver of a vehicle is a summary offence and is dealt with in the Magistrates Court jurisdiction.
As specialised criminal lawyers, MK Law can offer expert preliminary advice to prevent you facing a charge of failing to provide details to Police.
If you have received a request from Police in the mail or been requested to attend an interview in relation to an incident where you may or may not have been the driver, your first step is to contact our office on 1800 130 120 to discuss the scope of the information you need to supply. Remember, the Court are not mandated to cancel your licence, but they do have the discretion to do so therefore obtaining the best advice prior to interacting with the Police is essential.
If the matter proceeds to Court, MK Law will scrutinise the validity of the request, the information provided and any valid defence as to why the information was not provided or incorrectly provided. MK Law specialise in criminal law and driving offences so contact our office today to discuss your options and find out how MK Law can help you avoid a finding of guilt or conviction on your record.
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At MK Law Firm, we understand the complexities and nuances surrounding traffic offenses, including the failure to nominate the driver of a vehicle in Melbourne. This offense can lead to serious consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even criminal charges. Our team of experienced traffic lawyers specializes in providing expert legal representation for individuals facing such charges, ensuring that their rights are protected and their best interests are advocated for in court.
If you find yourself in a situation where you have failed to nominate the driver of a vehicle and are unsure of how to proceed, we are here to help. Our dedicated team will work closely with you to understand the specifics of your case and develop a personalized legal strategy tailored to your unique circumstances. With our in-depth knowledge of traffic laws and regulations in Melbourne, we will strive to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
To get started on your journey to resolving your legal matter, simply fill out the contact form. Provide us with some basic information about your situation, and one of our friendly staff members will reach out to you promptly to schedule a consultation.
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