Failing to Furnish Information Solicitors | Expert Defence

You have 28 days from the date of service of the notice to respond. Furthermore, the date of service is usually 2-3 days after posting (presumed postal delivery). Therefore, act quickly upon receiving the notice. Additionally, late responses may still be accepted in some circumstances, but don't rely on this - respond within 28 days.

If you genuinely don't know and you've exercised reasonable diligence to find out, you have a complete defence under Section 172(4). However, you must demonstrate what steps you took:

• Who you asked
• What records you checked
• Why identification was impossible despite efforts

Moreover, simply stating "I don't know" without evidence of reasonable efforts is insufficient. Therefore, document everything you do to identify the driver.

Obtain proof of posting or delivery from Royal Mail or courier service. Furthermore, if you sent by recorded or tracked delivery, get tracking records. Additionally, check if you kept a copy of your response. Moreover, email confirmations (if email response accepted) are valuable evidence. Our failing to furnish information solicitors can challenge prosecution claims of non-receipt with proper evidence.

Yes. The offence is failing to provide driver information as the registered keeper, regardless of whether you were driving. Specifically, your obligation is to identify who was driving, not to have been driving yourself. Therefore, even if you weren't the driver, you must still respond to Section 172 notices.

If a company is the registered keeper, the company (through a director, manager, or secretary) must respond. Moreover, companies can be prosecuted for failing to furnish information. Additionally, individual officers can be personally liable in some circumstances. Therefore, companies need proper fleet management systems to track vehicle usage.

If convicted, 6 penalty points are mandatory - magistrates have no discretion to impose fewer points. However:

• If acquitted, you receive no points
• Special reasons (extremely rare) might avoid points while still convicted

Therefore, fighting the case successfully is the only reliable way to avoid points.

Disqualification is not mandatory, but courts have discretionary power to disqualify instead of imposing points. Furthermore, disqualification typically occurs only where:

• Aggravating factors present (deliberate refusal, previous similar offences)
• You're already at risk of totting up
• Exceptional circumstances warrant disqualification

Moreover, our failing to furnish information solicitors argue against discretionary disqualification effectively.

If you already have 6+ points and receive another 6 points for failing to furnish, you'll reach 12 points and face totting up disqualification (minimum 6-month ban). However:

• Exceptional hardship arguments may avoid disqualification
• Successfully defending the case avoids points entirely
• Our exceptional hardship specialists have excellent success rate

Reasonable diligence means taking all reasonable steps to identify the driver. This includes:

• Asking all family members/employees with access
• Checking work schedules, diaries, calendars
• Reviewing journey logs or fuel receipts
• Checking GPS or telematics if available
• Investigating in reasonable detail

Moreover, what's "reasonable" depends on your circumstances - a company should have better records than an individual. Therefore, the test is: did you do what a reasonable person in your position would do?

Potentially yes. If you'd properly notified DVLA of your address change but notices were still sent to the old address, this may invalidate the requirement. Moreover, we obtain DVLA records proving your address notification and challenge improper service. However, you must have actually updated DVLA - failing to update DVLA when you move isn't a defence.

Yes. You have 21 days from sentence to lodge an appeal to Crown Court. Furthermore, Crown Court conducts complete rehearing of your case. Additionally, fresh evidence can be presented. However, Crown Court can also increase sentence (rare but possible), so appeals need strong grounds. Therefore, consult our failing to furnish information solicitors within 21 days if considering appeal.

Once you've pleaded guilty, options are limited. However:

• If not yet sentenced, we can present powerful mitigation
• If already sentenced, appeal may be possible in limited circumstances
• If you were misled or didn't understand, special application may be made

Contact us immediately if you've pleaded guilty but now have concerns. Time limits are strict.

We offer:

• Free initial consultation
• Fixed fees for straightforward cases
• Competitive hourly rates for complex matters
• Flexible payment plans
• Transparent pricing with no hidden costs

Furthermore, specific fees depend on case complexity and whether trial is required. Moreover, we provide clear written quotes after assessing your case. Therefore, call for accurate pricing specific to your circumstances.

You can, but we strongly advise against it. Specifically:

• Section 172 law is technical and complex
• Presenting reasonable diligence defence requires expertise
• Cross-examination skills essential
• Magistrates' procedure knowledge critical
• Sentence mitigation requires experience

Moreover, the consequences of conviction (points, fine, insurance increases, criminal record) far exceed legal fees. Therefore, professional representation dramatically improves your chances and is cost-effective investment.

As soon as possible - ideally immediately upon receiving any notice or court papers. Furthermore, the earlier we're involved, the better we can prepare your defence and gather supporting evidence. Additionally, strict time limits apply to responding to Single Justice Procedure notices (21 days). Therefore, don't delay - contact us the day you receive any court paperwork.

Yes. While our office is in Rochdale, we represent clients across England and Wales in all magistrates' courts. Moreover, we have extensive experience in courts nationwide from London to Manchester, Birmingham to Newcastle. Therefore, wherever your case is heard, we can represent you.

In many cases, we can attend court on your behalf without you being present. Specifically:

• Guilty pleas through Single Justice Procedure require no attendance
• Some hearings we attend as your legal representative
• Trials typically require your attendance to give evidence

Furthermore, if you have unavoidable commitments preventing attendance, court may grant adjournment in exceptional circumstances. Therefore, discuss specific circumstances with us.