All posts by Andrew Wesley/h3>

There has been much ado in the press about police forces undertaking random checks on motorists and revoking licences at the roadside on the basis of a vision test. So, what are their powers?

Can the police stop me?

Under section 163 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 a police officer in uniform has the power to require a driver of a vehicle on a road to stop.  It is an offence to fail to comply with such a request.

Does the officer have to be in uniform?

To use this power the officer has to be in uniform. There is a common law power, however, for an officer not in uniform to request a vehicle to stop although there would be no penalty for failing to comply.

What is the law about vision and driving?

You must be able to read a registration plate from 20 metres (approximately five car lengths). It is an offence to drive with uncorrected defective eyesight.

Can the police ask me to do a roadside eye test?

You could be asked to undertake the test voluntarily. Otherwise, there must be a suspicion that you may be guilty of driving when you cannot comply with the vision test requirement. If the officer does suspect, you can be required to submit to a test.

Section 96 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 provides this power. The test can be carried out between 8am and 9pm, only in daylight.

What if I refuse to do the test?

If the officer has a reasonable suspicion that you have been driving while your eyesight is such that you could not pass the test and you refuse to do so, you are committing an offence.

What could happen?

Failing to stop for a police officer, under section 163, can be punished by a fine.

Driving with uncorrected defective eyesight or refusing to submit to a test of vision carries a fine, discretionary disqualification and an obligatory endorsement of three penalty points.

What about my licence, can it be revoked?

If you fail a vision test at the roadside, or fail to comply, the police can immediately report this fact to the DVLA.

There is a fast track system whereby a decision to revoke your licence can quickly be made, such a decision taking place within hours. Once your licence is revoked, it will be not be returned until you can demonstrate that your eyesight meets the required standard.

Your licence being revoked will not prevent a prosecution for the offences outlined above.

Why is the police vision test in the news?

The power for fast-track revocation has existed since 2013. The power is now being widely reported as three police forces have announced their intention to undertake such checks at the roadside, this may be extended nationwide.

Based on a study by the Association of Optometrists it is estimated that some 1 million people in the UK are driving illegally. RSA Insurance estimates that eyesight problems cause nearly 3000 casualties per year on the UK roads.

The police forces involved in the initiative have said that they will be gathering data as to the extent of any issues. Potentially, this could lead to a further mandatory vision test at some stage after the practical driving test.

Speak to an expert motoring law solicitor

We are experts in road traffic law and can advise you if you are facing investigation or prosecution. To discuss any aspect of your case please contact your nearest office.

Alternatively you can use the contact form below.

All posts by Andrew Wesley/h3>

While many will agree that the Criminal Justice System is not necessarily the most appropriate place to deal with those suffering from mental health difficulties.  Unfortunately, there is, sadly, a regular overlap between the two.  As a result we need to have particular skills to represent vulnerable defendants.

This means that the staff across our offices have experience of dealing with those who are vulnerable defendants, and are experienced in gaining our clients’ trust to be able to assist them throughout the court process.

During his years as a criminal defence solicitor, Chesterfield crime solicitor Ben Strelley has represented many vulnerable individuals before the court.  His manner means that he has the ability to engage with clients whatever their difficulties to gain their trust.

Here is a recent example of his representation in a case that required sensitive handling.

Assault allegations against a vulnerable client

Ben’s client was an inpatient at the Hartington Mental Health Unit in Chesterfield.  She faced two accusations of common assault.  The complainants were two of the nurses caring for her.  She faced a separate charge of causing damage at Derby hospital prior to her arrival at the unit.

Our client had no recollection of any of the incidents.  She did, of course, accept that in these circumstances the staff had no reason to lie.  In circumstances where a client had no such vulnerabilities then the case would normally involve straightforward advice to plead guilty.  The evidence was strong and there was no defence to advance.

In the circumstances of this case, however, it was important for Ben to make further enquiries as to his client’s mental health at the time of the incident.  It may be that this could afford a defence, or significant mitigation, or allow him to make representations that the prosecution is not in the public interest.

Ben investigated this aspect of the case with the prosecution.  He was then provided with a medical report from a relevant doctor who confirmed that she did have the necessary capacity at the time of the assault allegations.  The report was silent about her health at the time of the criminal damage matter.

As a result, Ben advised his client to plead guilty to the assaults.  He was able to negotiate with the prosecution to drop the criminal damage charge.  Bearing in mind the other pleas that prosecution was no longer in the public interest.

Sentence following guilty pleas

Normally an assault on a member of NHS staff while at work is likely to result in, a the very least, consideration of a prison sentence.  Ben was of the view that the unique circumstances of his client’s health were such that the court ought to be of significant importance upon sentence.

In the end the Magistrates agreed with Ben.  Rather than a prison sentence or community order his client received a small fine and was ordered to pay some compensation.

Ben’s client was delighted at this outcome because it meant that she would be able to continue with her treatment in the community with the aim of overcoming her acute mental health difficulties.

Instruct a criminal solicitor specialising in vulnerable defendants

Case such as this demonstrates the importance of instructing a solicitor who has compassion, patience and communication skills to achieve the best outcome for vulnerable defendants.

In this case, Ben had to gain the trust of his client, speak to the prosecution about the strength of the evidence, and then persuade Magistrates to depart from the usual sentencing guideline for cases such as this.

You may wish to consider other reasons why you might want to instruct VHS Fletchers over other firms of solicitors.

If you or a family member or friend are in the position of being spoken to by the police as a result of an alleged incident involving medical staff then you can contact your nearest office here.

Alternatively you can use the contact form below:

All posts by Andrew Wesley/h3>

While many will have spent the summer having holidays and day trips out with the family, our solicitors and police station representatives at our Chesterfield office have been taking their own day trips out of the town to provide legal advice and representation.

Unfortunately, these have not been to the seaside to enjoy an ice cream but to ensure that our clients who live local to Chesterfield receive advice and representation from lawyers that they know and trust.  We often a nationwide service at both the police station and courts.

Countrywide legal advice and representation

The following are amongst the places recently visited by staff from our Chesterfield offices:

• Buxton Police Station
• Harrogate Police Station
• York Magistrates Court
• Manchester Magistrates Court
• Staines Magistrates Court
• Sheffield Magistrates’ Court
• Boston Magistrates Court
• Lincoln Crown Court

All of our Clients involved in the police investigations or cases before these courts had links to the Chesterfield area.

Their first priority was to have a solicitor local to them for ease of providing instructions rather than local to the police station or court they had to attend.  They wished VHS Fletchers solicitors to deal with their case on the basis of previous dealings with our expert criminal solicitors or because they had been referred to us.

It was important to them to have a solicitor or accredited police station representative that they could trust.

When we were contacted by these clients we were only too happy to travel to provide them with the service that they wished.  Our clients faced a range of offences, including

• assault
• theft
• criminal damage
• breach of court orders

Advice on your case under the legal aid scheme

As we have a contract with the government to permit us to provide expert legal advice and representation under the legal aid scheme.  This means that our advice in the police station will always be free of charge to you in the police station.

There are many advantages to seeking advice in the police station and you can read about those here.

Many of our clients will be also be entitled to legal aid in the Magistrates’ Court.   Nearly all will be eligible for legal aid to ensure representation for cases before the Crown Court.

You can read more about these types of legal aid here.

In the cases at the police station or the courts set out above, all of our clients had the benefit of free legal advice.

Instruct criminal defence solicitors who will go the extra mile for you

You may choose your solicitor by reputation.  You might want to choose a solicitor with an office near to where you live, no matter where your case will be heard.

If you require the assistance of a firm of expert criminal defence solicitors who are more than happy to travel to provide you with nationwide criminal advice and representation, then look no further than VHS Fletchers.

We will go that extra mile (or if need be the hundreds of extra miles) needed to ensure that you get the best outcome possible.

Read more about the benefits of instructing our solicitors and litigators here.

You can contact our Chesterfield office for emergency advice day or night, 365 days a year on 01246 387999.

Alternatively you can use the form below.

All posts by Andrew Wesley/h3>

If you have provided a statement for the prosecution or for the defence you may be called as a witness in court to give evidence at the defendant’s trial.

Is there help available for me as a witness in court?

The Witness Service can provide assistance for any witness who has to attend court. This support can be both practical and emotional. They can provide information about the court process, show you the courtroom prior to the trial and assist with any expenses claim.

If you are a prosecution witness the Crown Prosecution Service witness support unit will be in touch with you and will provide contact details for witness support. If you are a defence witness the solicitor representing the defendant can provide you with support and also provide the contact details for the local witness service.

What happens at court?

 When you attend as a witness in court, you can sit in a separate witness room rather than the general waiting area if you wish. You will be spoken to by the prosecution or defence lawyer, as appropriate, before the trial starts.

Will I be told what to say?

 Whilst the lawyer will be able to provide you with information on trial procedure, layout of the court and the roles of those involved they cannot “coach” you on the evidence you will give as a witness in court. There are very strict rules about training witnesses because this could have a potentially negative effect on your evidence.

Can I read my statement?

You will be provided with a copy of your statement prior to the trial so that you can read through it before you give evidence. You will not usually be allowed to have it with you when you give evidence though. If the rules of evidence allow, you may be able to refer to your statement during evidence in order to refresh your memory.

Can I speak to any other witnesses?

 If there are a number of witnesses, you will not be allowed to communicate with anyone who has given evidence while you are still waiting to do so.

If you are a defence witness, you should also not discuss anything about the trial with the defendant once the trial hearing has started.

The prosecution and defence lawyers are not allowed to discuss any evidence that has been given with you before you give your evidence.

What happens in court?

You will be called into court at the appropriate time and asked to swear on a holy book or affirm that you will tell the truth. You will then be asked questions by the prosecutor first if you are a prosecution witness and then by the defendant’s representative, or vice versa if you are a defence witness. If the defendant is not represented, you may be asked questions by a court appointed lawyer in his place if the court do not feel it is appropriate for him to ask you questions directly.

Once you have finished giving evidence you may be released from court or you can stay in the public gallery to watch the remainder of the trial.

I’m really worried, do I have to attend court?

 If you think that you would benefit from “special measures” such as screening from the defendant or giving evidence from remote video link you should contact the prosecution, defence solicitor or court as appropriate.

A witness summons can be issued if the court is aware you do not want to go to court.  This is something that you should speak to a solicitor about. If you fail to attend court in answer to a witness summons, then you may be arrested and brought to court.

Contact a criminal law specialist about being a witness in court

It may be that you have given a witness statement to the police and received a witness summons.  Alternatively it might be that you are thinking of doing so but worried about the potential consequences.

You might have provided our office with a statement in respect of one of our clients, or are considering doing so and want to discuss this further.

Contact your nearest office or the office preparing the defendant’s case to discuss any of the matters further.

Alternatively please use the contact form below.

All posts by Andrew Wesley/h3>

If you are suspected of driving with excess alcohol in your body, you may be asked to provide a breath sample at the roadside. If that sample is positive, you are likely to be arrested and take to the police station.  Failing to provide a breath specimen may mean you commit a separate offence.

Why do I have to provide another specimen at the police station?

 Once at the police station you will be asked to provide an evidential sample of breath, the sample taken at the roadside is just a preliminary test to see if you are over the limit.

But I wasn’t over the limit or driving!

 It is crucial to note that the fact you were not driving does not mean that you can refuse to provide a sample of breath, nor does it matter if you weren’t over the limit.

If the police have reasonable grounds to suspect that you were driving and you refuse, so failing to provide a breath specimen without good reason, you may be guilty of the offence.

 What if I can’t provide a breath sample or the machine is broken?

 If it is accepted, for whatever reason, that you cannot provide a breath sample, you will be asked to provide a sample of blood or urine.

Failure to provide the requested sample without good reason is an offence. Which sample is requested (blood or urine) is at the officer’s discretion and is not for you to choose.

What if I wasn’t warned?

 You have to be warned that failing to provide a breath specimen or other sample is is an offence.  If the warning is not given this may be a bar to conviction.  As a result it is important that you seek early legal advice.

 What is a refusal?

 A straightforward refusal , or not trying hard enough constitutes a refusal and the offence of failing to provide a specimen of breath.

The taking of a sample cannot normally be delayed for you to be given legal advice although the police may allow that to happen.

Examples from cases where reasonable excuse has not been found include the following:

• a desire to see a doctor
• the illegality of detention
• mistake
• religious belief
• the sight of blood
• stress.

Is there a defence to failing to provide a breath specimen?

It is a defence to show that you had a reasonable excuse for failing to provide a breath specimen. A medical reason such as asthma or a genuine needle phobia could constitute a reasonable excuse.

What is the sentence on conviction?

 A conviction will result in a mandatory driving disqualification of at least 12 months and is often in the region of 18 months or longer.

If you have a previous conviction in the last ten years for a drink or drug driving offence, the minimum disqualification will be three years.

As well as a driving ban you could be fined, given a community order or sentenced to up to 6 months in prison.

Will it different if you were not driving?

 If you were suspected of being in charge of a vehicle before failing to provide a sample rather than driving, the penalty is different.

You may still be disqualified, but if the court chose not to, they would impose ten penalty points. The maximum prison sentence for this offence is three months.

Instruct an expert motoring law solicitor

As you can see, a conviction for failing to provide a breath specimen can have serious consequences and the law relating to defences can be complex.

As a result, if you are arrested or know that the police wish to speak to you about an offence then make sure you insist on your right to free and independent legal advice.

The advantages of such early advice legal advice can be found here.

If you have already been interviewed or face court proceedings we can still make a real difference to the outcome of your case.  Legal aid may well be available to fund your defence at court.

An example of how we have defended a case recently can be found here.

We made representations to have a prosecution discontinued in this case.

We have offices across the East Midlands.  You can find your most convenient office here.   Alternatively you can contact us using the form below.