Our Solicitor, Mr Wissam Philopos represented a middle-aged man at Liverpool Local Court in relation to a single traffic matter in which the defendant risked losing his licence privileges for an extended period of time.
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The case involved our client having travelled to Australia on a Temporary Visiting Visa from India. Our client had not yet registered for a NSW driving licence since being in Australia and was charged with Drive when visiting privileges withdrawn. For context on how NSW visiting driver rules operate, see the NSW Government guidance on driving on an overseas licence and the Transport for NSW fact sheet on withdrawal of visiting driver privileges.
Our client, having just moved to Australia, is seeking employment through rideshare work. Rideshare drivers must meet NSW driver authorisation requirements and eligibility criteria, so the ability to obtain a NSW licence was critical to supporting his family.
Our representation resulted in the court dismissing the charges against our client. Our client was not required to be subject to a licence disqualification and now has the ability to apply for his NSW driver licence and continue to provide and care for his young family.
This fantastic result was achieved by thorough preparation of the matter. Mr Philopos took the matter on short notice and provided exceptional advice and expertise in handling our client’s case. He specifically focused on the special circumstances of the client, being his need for a licence and his recent arrival in Australia. Through strong subjective evidence such as character references and apology letters to the court, as well as our client’s completion of a recognised driver education program (for example the Traffic Offender Intervention Program or PCYC Driver Education), he was able to come out on top.
Why this outcome mattered
Had the offence been proven, visiting driver issues can impact the path to a NSW licence and future employment. The Local Court of NSW has discretion in appropriate matters to deal with offences without recording a conviction, sometimes referred to as a section 10 dismissal, after considering the overall justice of the case.
Helpful references
- Criminal Law – Jameson Law
- Traffic Offences in NSW – Jameson Law
- Understanding NSW Criminal Court Procedures – Jameson Law
- Local Court online services and lists
- Check your demerit points – Service NSW
- Driving penalties and fines – Service NSW
- Moving your overseas licence to NSW
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Quality representation can make a decisive difference on traffic matters and visa-related licence pathways. For tailored advice about visiting driver privileges, traffic offences or court representation, contact our team at Jameson Law. Call (02) 8806 0866 or contact us to book a confidential consultation.
