We represented a professional truck driver charged with a mid-range PCA offence. A conviction and mandatory disqualification would have resulted in the immediate loss of his livelihood, with significant financial consequences for both him and his family.

The client had an excellent traffic history and no prior criminal convictions. He accepted responsibility at an early stage and undertook steps to demonstrate insight, including completing a traffic offender intervention program and obtaining strong character references from his employer and colleagues.

At sentence, we submitted that the offence was an isolated lapse in judgement, entirely out of character for someone with his longstanding professional driving record. We emphasised the disproportionate impact a disqualification would have on his employment, as well as his otherwise exemplary conduct on the road.

The Court accepted our submissions and found that a conviction was not warranted in the circumstances. The client retained his licence and avoided the mandatory disqualification period.

Outcome: No conviction recorded. Licence preserved.