Driving offences are the most common charges in NSW courts, and losing your licence can mean losing your job. Whether you have been caught driving while suspended, speeding or driving dangerously, or you want to appeal a licence suspension, the right preparation can make a real difference to the outcome. Call Robert Kaufmann on 1300 276 529 for a free initial consultation with an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law.
Traffic lawyer in Sydney
Robert Kaufmann has practised criminal law in NSW for over 23 years. For 17 of those years he has been an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law, recognised by the Law Society of NSW. He appears regularly in traffic matters in Local Courts across NSW, and in serious driving cases in the District Court. He knows what magistrates look for, and how to put your best case for keeping your licence.
Driving offences we handle
- Driving while suspended, cancelled or disqualified, and driving unlicensed. These are serious offences that can lead to further disqualification and, in some cases, imprisonment.
- Speeding, including high-range speeding (more than 45 km/h over the limit), which brings an automatic licence suspension.
- Negligent, furious or reckless driving, and police pursuits.
- Dangerous driving occasioning death or grievous bodily harm, which is dealt with in the District Court.
- Drink and drug driving. See our drink driving page.
- Hit and run and failing to stop and assist after a crash.
- Licence suspension appeals to the Local Court.
Licence suspension appeals
Some licence suspensions and cancellations, such as some police roadside suspensions and some suspensions by Transport for NSW, can be appealed to the Local Court. Strict time limits apply, usually 28 days, and not every suspension can be appealed. A successful appeal can reduce or remove the suspension. We will tell you quickly whether you can appeal and what evidence will help, such as a work need for your licence and your driving record.
Keeping your licence and your record
For many traffic offences, the court has discretion to deal with the matter without recording a conviction under section 10 of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999, or to reduce a disqualification period. Courts look closely at:
- your traffic record
- your need for a licence, especially for work or caring responsibilities
- character references
- completion of the Traffic Offender Intervention Program
- the circumstances of the offence.
We help you gather this material and present it properly in court.
Courts we appear in
We appear for clients across Sydney and NSW, including Parramatta, Sydney (Downing Centre), Burwood, Bankstown, Blacktown, Penrith, Liverpool, Campbelltown, Sutherland, Newtown, Waverley and Hornsby Local Courts, as well as the District and Supreme Courts.
Traffic offence FAQs
Will I lose my licence?
It depends on the offence and your record. Some offences carry automatic disqualification periods that the court can reduce. In some cases, a section 10 outcome means no disqualification applies at all.
Should I just pay the fine or go to court?
Electing to go to court can be worthwhile where the demerit points would cause a suspension, or where there is a defence. We can tell you which makes sense in your case.
I was caught driving while suspended. Will I go to jail?
Prison is possible, especially for repeat offences, but most first offenders receive a fine and further disqualification, or a community-based outcome. Good preparation matters.
Speak to a traffic lawyer now
Call Robert Kaufmann on 1300 276 529 for a free initial consultation, book a phone consultation online, or send an enquiry through our contact form.
This page is general information about NSW law and is not legal advice. Every case depends on its own facts.