Traffic offences can lead to serious consequences, including fines, license suspension, and other penalties. Common traffic offences include speeding, drink, or drug driving, driving without a valid license, using a mobile phone while driving, and failing to follow road rules such as stopping at red lights. Below is a structured guide to accessing legal support and other assistance in Victoria, Australia.

Legal Assistance

Community Legal Centres (CLCs)

Community Legal Centres provide free legal advice and information for traffic offences. This may include assistance with understanding fines, navigating the license appeal process, addressing demerit points, and exploring options for court appearances or alternative resolutions. These centres aim to support individuals who may not otherwise have access to legal help.

To find a CLC near you, visit the Federation of Community Legal Centres Victoria website.

Private Legal Services

Through the Law Institute of Victoria’s Legal Referral Service, you can find a private lawyer. Participating law firms offer a free 30-minute initial interview designed to help you:

• Gain a basic understanding of your legal issue.
• Explore preliminary legal strategies tailored to your case.
• Assess potential costs and next steps.

This free session does not include detailed legal advice. For guidance, check out the Legal Referral Service by the Law Institute of Victoria.

Victoria Legal Aid (VLA)

Victoria Legal Aid offers free assistance for traffic offences, including:

• Live webchat services.
• Phone consultations.
• Multilingual support options.
• Services for individuals with hearing or speech difficulties.

If VLA is unable to assist directly, they will refer you to an appropriate organisation. Visit the Victoria Legal Aid website for details.

Court Support

Assistance at Court

Court Network volunteers are available to support individuals attending court. While they cannot provide legal advice or represent you in court, they can provide guidance on court procedures and emotional support to help you navigate the process.

You can request a Court Network volunteer by informing court staff or contacting them before your court date. For more information, visit the Court Network website.

Key Resources

Publications and Videos by Victoria Legal Aid

Victoria Legal Aid provides free resources to help you understand traffic offences and your rights, including materials available both online and in print:

• Publications:
  • Fines: The Law and Your Options
  • Police Powers: Your Rights in Victoria
  • Your Day in Court

• Videos:
  • Car Accidents – What’s the Law?
  • Driving – What’s the Law?
  • Police and My Legal Rights – What’s the Law?

Fitzroy Legal Service’s Law Handbook

The Law Handbook is a comprehensive online resource with information about: It is freely accessible to the public, making it an invaluable tool for understanding traffic-related legal matters.

• Driving offences.
• Motor vehicle property damage.

Access the handbook via the Fitzroy Legal Service website.

Fines Victoria

The Fines Victoria website provides detailed guidance on managing fines, including tools and resources for appealing fines:

• Payment options.
• Contesting fines.
• Applying for payment plans.

Magistrates’ Court of Victoria

The Magistrates’ Court website includes resources on:

• Reapplying for a cancelled license due to drink or drug-driving offences.
• Navigating court procedures for traffic-related matters.

VicRoads

The VicRoads website offers vital information, including contact options for further inquiries:

• License management and demerit points.
• Alcohol and drug-driving offences.
• Behaviour change programs.
• Road rules and crash responsibilities.
• Rules specific to cyclists.

Transport Accident Commission (TAC)

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) supports individuals involved in road accidents by providing:

• Claim forms and brochures.
• Information on claims after a car accident.

Youthlaw

TheYouthlaw website offers targeted resources for young drivers, covering:

• “Hoon driving” offences.
• Police powers related to hoon driving.
• Legal support for youth.

How Pentana Stanton Lawyers Can Help

At Pentana Stanton Lawyers, we offer comprehensive legal services tailored to assist with traffic offence disputes. Our experienced legal team can help you navigate complex legal processes and provide personalised advice and representation in:

• Contesting fines or infringements.
• Appealing license suspensions or cancellations.
• Representation in Magistrates’ Court for traffic-related offences.
• Negotiating outcomes for drink or drug-driving charges.
• Advising on demerit point systems and behaviour change programs.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore how we can support you in achieving the best possible outcome for your case.