Criminal lawyers for Police pursuit
Police Pursuit (Skye’s Law) is a serious criminal offence that was introduced by the government after 19-month old toddler Skye Sassine was killed when her family’s car was hit by a driver, suspected of armed robbery, who was trying to evade police. Penalties for Skye’s law can be very heavy because it is intended to deter people from attempting to evade police which can lead to dangerous chases and high-speed pursuits.
Despite its seriousness, Skye’s law is an offence we can often beat where identification is an issue or where a driver is not aware that they are being followed by the police. Police will also often accept a plea of guilty to a lesser offence such as drive in a manner dangerous and withdraw the pursuit charge.
If you intend to plead guilty, our criminal lawyers have a proven track record of not only keeping our clients out of gaol but also in some cases having no conviction recorded for police pursuit charges.
How do I beat a charge of police pursuit?
You will be found not guilty of Skye’s Law if the police cannot prove beyond reasonable doubt:
- You drove a vehicle; and
- Knew, ought reasonably to have known or had reasonable grounds to suspect that police officers are in pursuit of the vehicle and that you were required to stop the vehicle; and
- You did not stop the vehicle; and
- Then drive the vehicle recklessly or at a speed or in a manner dangerous to others.
Pleading guilty to Pursuit Charges
If you agree that you have committed the offence (and the police are able to prove so), it is best to plead guilty as you will normally receive a discount on sentence and it will demonstrate remorse and contrition. Alternatively, it may be the case that one of our experienced solicitors can negotiate with prosecutors for you to plead guilty to less serious facts or even a less serious charge.
Police pursuit carries a maximum penalty of 3 years imprisonment for a first offence and 5 years imprisonment for second offence. Police pursuit is a serious criminal offence and if you are charged with it you should contact our office immediately.
The automatic disqualification period for an offence of police pursuit is 3 years. The minimum period of disqualification is 12 months.
Do I need references for a guilty plea?
We believe references are an extremely important part of a plea of guilty in court. By being prepared with good references it could mean receiving a reduced sentence or lesser charge.
Visit our page on court processes and references to get more information.
Why choose Australian Criminal Law Group?
Recognised as some of the best criminal lawyers in Sydney and NSW, our criminal lawyers are experts at obtaining the best outcome possible for Police pursuit offences. For these offences, a good lawyer can be the difference between a conviction and no criminal record and freedom or gaol.
To discuss your criminal or traffic matter, call Australian Criminal Law Group on (02) 8815 8167 to book at meeting at our Sydney, Parramatta, or Blacktown office or make a website inquiry today.
Case study
Mr Correy represented a client charged with 2 police pursuits in a matter of weeks. The pursuits were during the day and in area where there were many people present. Mr Correy convinced the magistrate to give his client a good behaviour bond and one-year disqualification.
Case study
Joseph represented a driver, who pleaded not guilty to the offence of police pursuit. The police alleged the pursuit was over a short distant. Joseph argued that whilst the driver had been driving dangerously prior to the police commencing the pursuit, he stopped as soon as he could following the police activating their sirens. It was argued that the delay in stopping was because it was unsafe to do so immediately. The Magistrate agreed and found Joseph’s client not guilty.
Case study
Australian Criminal Law Group represented a man charged with police pursuit. The car involved in the police chase was found dumped in a side street and our client was found in close proximity to the car. Our solicitor argued that his presence in the vicinity of where the car was found was not enough to prove he was the driver. On the day of his hearing, the magistrate dismissed the charge.