Convicted in Absence Lawyers

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CONVICTED IN ABSENCE FOR A DRIVING OFFENCE

Being ‘convicted in absence’ under section 172 of the Road Traffic Act (also known as ‘trial in absentia’) means that the court reached a decision to sentence you for an alleged offence even though you did not attend the court hearing in person.

This can happen by mistake if you accidentally forget to respond to a letter, or if you didn’t know you had to attend at all.

If you have been convicted in your absence of a road traffic offence and you were unaware of the proceedings against you, you need to seek the expertise of a specialists driving offence solicitor. 

At Motoring Offence Solicitors we offer the very best privately funded legal advice and representation to motorists accused of driving offences in Manchester, the North West and throughout the UK.  

If you find yourself in the situation of having been convicted in absence, call our team today on 0161 832 3852 or complete the enquiry form at the bottom of this page.

Zenith Healthcare profile picture
Zenith Healthcare
1 year ago
I couldn’t be happier with the service I received. Brian was incredibly professional, supportive, and knowledgeable throughout the whole process. Thanks to his expertise, I avoided penalty points, and even received compensation. I felt reassured every step of the way, and I’m so grateful for the outcome. Highly recommended!
Jamie Cartwright profile picture
Jamie Cartwright
1 year ago
Brilliant service, Brian was understanding and we held a few strategy meetings to enable all parties understand decision making and the possible outcomes. Brian help me navigate a difficult case with the case ending in our desired outcome.

Thanks so much 100% recommend to anyone looking for representation
Tracy R profile picture
Tracy R
2 years ago
Having known of Brian Koffman for over 30 years, there was no one else I would have contacted with regards a "Totting up" ban. He was exceptional at his delivering of the exceptional hardship defence, the 6 month ban was overturned. He is worth every penny. I also say thanks to his PA Kate, she too is a very pleasant and professional lady. Thank you both. Tracy R. *Highly recommended.
Livvi_ J profile picture
Livvi_ J
2 years ago
Mr Koffman was a fantastic legal representative, from the very beginning he was so helpful and compassionate. He gave us his time to see if he could help with our issue to which he did successfully and on a short time scale he got the best outcome and we are forever grateful! Very lucky we found Brian!
Haider Ali profile picture
Haider Ali
2 years ago
Highly Recommended if you have any problem regarding Motoring Offences Mr Brian is best
Alec Duff profile picture
Alec Duff
2 years ago
I came to Brian to help me with a offence I was being accused of. He handled the case with great confidence and got me the result I was hoping for highly recommended
Rhys Bishop profile picture
Rhys Bishop
2 years ago
Not very helpful
zoe taylor profile picture
zoe taylor
2 years ago
Reliable. Professional and knows his stuff. Communication was great and he got the best outcome for us. Would recommend
Andy Reade profile picture
Andy Reade
2 years ago
If you are in need of a legal representative Mr Koffman & Co should be the first place to call. First class service Brian kept us up to date and informed throughout the whole horrible and traumatic experience that Manchester Police managed to serve us up out of nowhere.

Originally we were looking at a potential driving ban, a minimum sentence of community service, plus a fine and interviews with the traffic commissioner. On the day of the hearing the Crown Prosecution wanted all of the former, which would have meant the end of a driving career and the loss of livelihood.

On the eleventh hour and fifty nine minutes literally as we were walking into court, Brian managed to secure a deal with the prosecution which led the judge to serve up five points on the licence and a fine, all of the other charges were dropped.

Such a massive relief after nearly a year of worry and angst. If you need a solicitor that specialises in motoring offences Mr Koffman is the man you need, so ring him. I mean it ring him!
chelbel1981 profile picture
chelbel1981
2 years ago
From my first meeting with Brain to the last he was compassionate and non-judgemental. Everything was explained and Brain provided me with all the information and prepared for every possible outcome, which made the whole process less stressful.
Thanks to Brains excellent representation, I won my case, keeping my licence and was rewarded £750 towards my costs.
Would highly recommend
Cheers
Nick
Dani Fereday profile picture
Dani Fereday
2 years ago
Brian was exceptional in handling my case. Facing a serious motoring offence while dealing with mental health challenges, I found him to be compassionate and non-judgmental. He explained everything clearly and made the entire process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Brian provided me with all the necessary information and options, empowering me to make the right decision. In court, his expertise and diligence shone through, and thanks to his strong representation, I achieved the best outcome I could have hoped for.
SIMON WOODRUFF profile picture
SIMON WOODRUFF
2 years ago
Brian is highly experienced and on top of his game enabling him to navigate the system and in my case leading to a successful outcome. Such experience comes at a price and you get what you pay for.
Matthew B profile picture
Matthew B
3 years ago
After a quick google search following a totting up penalty I spoke to Brian and was fairly confident straight away that I had made a good call. My case was thoroughly prepared, communication was what I needed, advice was sound and we had a successful result in court. Would recommend Brian to anyone in a similar situation.
Dani Petrasuc profile picture
Dani Petrasuc
4 years ago
I would highly recommend using Brian Koffman& Co Solicitors. I received high quality services for the duration of my case, with the right level of honesty and reassurance. I can assure you will receive an excellent bespoke service from beginning to end. In my case was even better than the best possible outcome I was expecting.
Excellent legal advice, excellent and professional customer service, outstanding legal representation. I would have no hesitation at all in recommending them to anyone who needs their services.
My sincere regards to the entire team at Brian Koffman&Co Solicitors
William Pattinson profile picture
William Pattinson
4 years ago
I found Brian after a recommendation from another Solicitor.
Both himself & his assistant were both very helpful and very reactive to both phone calls & email.

I had no prior experience of attending court, however Brian made me feel at ease as to what to expect.

The case in which I was involved, was quite complex, however his professionalism and attention to detail made sure I received the best possible outcome.
I would recommend him to others
Ken Haughton profile picture
Ken Haughton
4 years ago
I would like to take this opportunity to post a big thank you to Brian Koffman for his excellent service during my recent court case. I was facing a lengthy ban and the possibility of losing my job, Brian did a great job for me, i kept my job!!
Should you require assistance with a driving offence Brian is the person to hire.
Professional, meticulous, leaves nothing to chance.

Thank you Brian
Antony Boffey profile picture
Antony Boffey
4 years ago
I won't go into too much detail but around 6 weeks ago due to an admin error I received a letter with 6 points and almost £1000 fine.

Results from this would have been:

Banned from driving
Loss of job
Loss of house
Wedding cancelled
Honeymoon cancelled

The results would have ruined my life.

One email and meeting with Brian and all this was sorted. Completely stress free and both him and his assistant were amazing.

Couldn't rate them high enough

Thank you.
Efoski Entertainment profile picture
Efoski Entertainment
4 years ago
Mr Koffman fantastic well for me. He was very informative and supportive. His professionalism was outstanding and victory was our at the end. I most say Brian Koffman and Co Solicitors are this best in this game..
Ali P profile picture
Ali P
4 years ago
Getting a notice of prosecution on Christmas Eve was not what I wanted. However, after emailing Brian the day after Boxing Day he called me straight away, completely above and beyond during the holiday period.
His knowledge is this area is amazing and the the advice he gave me put my mind at rest and made me hopeful that he could resolve the case without me receiving a ban.
Due to covid back log the case was very drawn out but the moment I heard from the courts, Brian was at the other end of the phone and he remembered my case every time, which shows a great personal touch. You wouldn’t get that with a large firm.
Brian managed to resolve the case with reduced points and I am extremely grateful for his help as a totting up ban would have been catastrophic for me.
He was brilliant during what has been a very stressful 8 months.
Nichola Jackson profile picture
Nichola Jackson
4 years ago
We would not hesitate in recommending Mr Koffman, he dealt with my husbands case very professionally and compassionately. WE cannot thank him enough.
chris rodgers profile picture
chris rodgers
4 years ago
I have recently used brain to represent me with a driving affence,
With a very frustrating case and my case management hearing date changing dates a number of times to my actual trail date changing dates a number of times, Brian was professional throughout and assured me throughout, it was clear from the start brains knowledge and professionalism was going to help me, after nearly three years of this case dragging out we finally got the trail date, and the outcome was outstanding, Brian is in the process of claiming some of my legal fees back which will also be a massive help for me, I couldent recommend Brian enough and would not hesitate to contact again if I needed to, thankyou brain.
Jamie White profile picture
Jamie White
4 years ago
Brian did a truly fantastic job here, listening closely and making detailed notes to my version of events, working tirelessly to find the best possible outcome and providing excellent advice and support to both myself and my family over this particularly challenging and stressful time.

Thank you Brian.
James Hurst profile picture
James Hurst
4 years ago
I approached Brian due to totting up points on my licence. Three more points could have resulted in me being disqualified from driving and as a Courier this would have cost me my Livelihood.
Brian decided that the best route to take would be to enter a plea of exceptional hardship. He explained everything clearly and guided me through the process whilst reducing the considerable stress I was under.
His efforts secured me the best possible outcome. Not only did I keep my licence, I also received the lowest possible fine.
I can't recommend Brian highly enough and would urge anyone in similar circumstances to contact Brian Koffman & Co Solicitors without hesitation.
Thank you Brian.
eleanor perretta profile picture
eleanor perretta
4 years ago
I have just contacted Brian to get some advice regarding a motoring offence - as the website indicates they pride themselves on these cases.

It was my first experience of having a penalty of this nature and was looking to instruct a solicitor to gain some advice on the best steps.

He was incredibly blunt and rude. He compared my enquiry to the likes of a doctor seeing a patient with no knowledge of the symptoms? Despite me being on the phone to answer any questions regarding the offence in question.

Completely bizarre and rude, with him then hanging up on me.
Surojit Sen profile picture
Surojit Sen
4 years ago
I would like to say a big Thank to Mr Brian Koffman. I’m so pleased to say that he has dealt my case so well. I had no prior experience to attend the court in my life. He made me everything clear about what I will be expecting on my hearing. He explained everything step by step which has definitely helped me a lot.

He is such a brilliant lawyer. He made me win the case. He is very professional, honest and an experience lawyer. I do highly recommend him. I’m giving him 5 stars. Thanks a lot.
Kell h profile picture
Kell h
5 years ago
Excellent solicitor very good at what he does. yes I would recommend, outstanding results in the court room very inpressed. thank you Brian.
Shohib Shah profile picture
Shohib Shah
5 years ago
Where do I start from I mean It was a fantastic experience, Mr koffmans level of service and professionalism is just at very high level and would recommend them to everyone and just can't thank him enough
Ahdil Hussain profile picture
Ahdil Hussain
5 years ago
EXCELLENT SERVICE you won’t be disappointed that’s all I can say …..
spencer orme profile picture
spencer orme
5 years ago
Brian was fantastic with his services, his professionalism, his extensive knowledge put me at ease. Everything he did was to the absolute best of his ability. I can’t thank him enough for representing me in my case
Tim Gill profile picture
Tim Gill
5 years ago
Very professional service with attention to detail. Highly recommended!
Steven Brown profile picture
Steven Brown
5 years ago
I recently enlisted the services of Brian Koffman to represent me in court for a speeding offence.Right from my first discussions with Brian I found him very friendly and highly professional.He explained everything in detail and in an easy to understand method.In court Brian put my case forward with great experience and professionalism and we both got the outcome we hoped for.I wouldn't hesitate in recommending Brian to anyone.
Hamid Mian profile picture
Hamid Mian
5 years ago
I needed immediate legal assistance regarding a recent motoring offence. Mr. Brian was very professional and talked me through the case and my options. I would highly recommend to anyone in need of legal advice.
Cameron Bruce profile picture
Cameron Bruce
5 years ago
Brian was very helpful and communication was brilliant throughout the process. He got me the best possible result on the day without the need to attend court. Would highly recommend his services.
Shananay Watson profile picture
Shananay Watson
5 years ago
I searched endless for a trusted motoring solicitor and couldnt find anyone i deemed suitable until B.Koffman & Co.
In recent months Mr. Koffman has dealt with everything associated with my Fathers case from phonecalls to documentation ect.

Upon first meeting Mr. Koffman explained in detail what repercussions my Father could face as a result of his driving offences, following our understand Mr. Koffman immediately turned his attention to how he could help.

With afew meetings and several telephone calls a decision was made on how to proceed, following this Mr. Koffman travelled to us in order to attend court & won our case!

I cannot recommend him enough, everything was done to perfection and no stone was left unturned.

5* absolutely.

If ever you have a motoring issue Mr. Koffman is the man to see.

We have already recommended him to friends and will continue to do so.

Thank you again Mr. Koffman
Emma Bingham profile picture
Emma Bingham
5 years ago
I went to Brian when I received a letter due to a driving offence. He fully explain what I was being charged with and the options that were available to me. Brian represented me in court and in the end managed to achieve a better than expected outcome. I would have no hesitation in recommending Brian to anyone and highly recommend.
Andrew Ritchie profile picture
Andrew Ritchie
5 years ago
I cannot thank Brian enough for the amount of commitment he put in to my case! He was able to explain the court process in simple terms, and I felt at ease knowing that someone so highly professional was dealing with my case. His advice resulted in the case being dropped and it ended in my favour. After my experience I would definitely recommend Brian, as he handled everything so efficiently. If anyone is looking for a motoring and criminal law solicitor that goes above and beyond, Brian is YOUR MAN!
Chris Edward profile picture
Chris Edward
5 years ago
I highly recommend the team at Motoring Offence Solicitors. They helped me expertly when I really needed it. Diligent, professional, highly knowledgeable and considering what I was facing, absolutely amazing value. Thank you Brian and team
Ged Cosgrove profile picture
Ged Cosgrove
5 years ago
I have had to use Brian’s services on a few occasions and have also recommended his services to clients, friends and family. I have always found Brian to be professional In my dealings with him, he explains everything in layman’s terms and has always advised as to the right course of action. I have never been disappointed and have always been happy with the final outcome.
Louis Barron profile picture
Louis Barron
5 years ago
I called Brian at very short notice about handling a case for me and he was incredibly helpful straight away - he clearly explained the situation and my options, and represented me at court to prevent me having to travel across half the country.

He got me the outcome I requested and I couldn't recommend him or his services highly enough. I chose him from his excellent google reviews just like this one, and now can see why he is so highly regarded!

Thanks again Brian.
Emma Wright profile picture
Emma Wright
5 years ago
I cannot thank Brian enough for all his hard work involved in helping me get the best possible outcome for a recent motoring offence. Brian has been very responsive and articulate throughout the whole process which has made me feel at ease knowing I am dealing with a professional at the scary time of preparing for and going to court. I will recommend Brian to anyone who needs a professional to help them with any motoring offences.
Hopefully, I never need to use you again, but if I do, you will definitely be the solicitor I use.
Thank you again for helping me.
Andrea Lumb profile picture
Andrea Lumb
5 years ago
I have recently had the pleasure of dealing with Brian regarding a motoring offence for a close friend of mine. Brian has been amazing throughout the whole process with regular and clear communication. Brian is professional and extremely knowledgeable in his field of expertise. Furthermore, and more importantly, Brian managed to get my friend the best possible outcome that we just didn’t think was possible. Hopefully, I never have to use Brian personally, however if I do commit a motoring offence, he will definitely be the man I call. I have already referred a family member of mine to Brian as I know he will be taken care of.

Brian, thank you once again for all your hard work which in turn gave us the best possible outcome.
More reviews

WE FIND SOLUTIONS TO THE MOST CHALLENGING CONVICTED IN ABSENCE CASES

Find Out How We Can help You

SECTION 172 ROAD TRAFFIC ACT

A section 172 notice is a notice of intended prosecution which can be served verbally by the police or by a letter in the post soon after the offence was committed. These days, many traffic offences are detected by automated systems (speed cameras) so the police need a way to require vehicle owners to provide details of the driver at the time an offence was committed.

The written notice is sent by post to the registered keeper of the vehicle named on the V5 document within 14 days, who is then required to provide driver details. Failure to complete and return the section 172 notice within 28 days can lead to a charge of failure to furnish driver ID which can lead to an MS90 conviction.

A notice can also be sent to any other person with the same consequences if there is no response.

MS90 CONVICTIONS & MS90 STATUTORY DECLARATION

MS90 is the code used by the court and DVLA.

An MS90 conviction is the result of failing to provide information about the identity of a driver at the time a driving offence was committed. This can happen unintentionally but if convicted an MS90 endorsement carries a penalty of 6 points and a fine of up to £1,000.

It is very common for the registered keeper of a vehicle to change their address and forget to provide the new details to the DVLA. The notice of intended prosecution is sent to the old address, the vehicle owner is unaware of the offence and an MS90 conviction in absence is entered.

A notice of intended prosecution is deemed to have been served if it was posted to him/her at their last known address even if is was returned undelivered or for any other reason was not received by him/her.

If you have received an MS90 conviction, we can help.

HOW WE CAN HELP YOU

If you have been convicted of a road traffic offence and you were unaware of the proceedings against you, contact our experienced driving offence solicitors now at Motoring Offence Solicitors.

We offer the very best privately funded legal representation to drivers accused of driving offences in Manchester and across the UK.  

Call our team today on 0161 832 3852 or complete the enquiry form below.

Talk to an experienced Convicted in Absence Solicitor today.

or Call 0161 832 3852

REOPENING MOTORING CONVICTIONS AND SENTENCES

Making a statutory declaration to the magistrate’s court is very often done in relation to our clients who have been convicted of road traffic offences without realising it.  

The reasons are often related to out of date DVLA records due to a change of address.  

In 2004/5, 170,000 (one hundred and seventy thousand) defendants (15% of all those charged) failed to attend their trial in the Magistrates Court and the charge was proved in their absence.

The overwhelming majority of these were motoring offences (National Audit Office 10/02/2006 ‘CPS: Effective Use of Magistrates Courts Hearings’).

You will automatically be granted the opportunity to make a statutory declaration if you make the request within 21 days of finding out that you have been convicted of an offence.  Beyond 21 days it may be refused at the discretion of the Magistrate.

If you find out you have been convicted in your absence you must act quickly.

You will need to provide clear evidence to support your claim that a mistake has been made. For example. you may be able to show valid paperwork, such as insurance or MOT documents, that you weren’t able to provide at the time.

Contact our experienced team of driving offence solicitors today on 0161 832 3852 for a free consultation, or make an enquiry online here.

WHAT SORT OF OFFENCES DOES THIS APPLY TO?

Section 172(2) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 creates an obligation to provide information. Failure to do so is known as a “Section 172 offence” and can be applied to most road traffic offences. However, the most common causes are probably speeding offences and failure to furnish.  

What often happens is that the registered keeper of the vehicle doesn’t respond to the notice of intended prosecution. Perhaps they have changed address and not updated the DVLA, or perhaps they are not sure who was driving at the time. This ‘failure to furnish’ details of the driver is an offence which can be enforced in the absence of the accused under section 172 of the road traffic act.

HAVE YOU BEEN CONVICTED OF A DRIVING OFFENCE IN YOUR ABSENCE?

If you have been convicted of a driving offence without your knowledge, it is important to contact an experienced driving offences solicitor immediately.  The time you take to act can have a major impact on your chances of success. Our experts are on hand to provide a superior privately funded service to help keep you safe and on the road. 

Please contact Motoring Offence Solicitors on 0161 832 3852 or complete the enquiry form below.

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Rated 5 out of 5