We assisted a first-time offender in navigating serious driving offences that carried severe penalties and required a comprehensive legal strategy.
At Saundh, Singh & Smith Lawyers, we are committed to helping our clients achieve the best possible outcome, even in challenging circumstances. Recently, we successfully obtained diversion for a client facing serious criminal charges. As a result, our client was able to avoid a criminal record and move forward with their life.
The Situation
From 01 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, 279 fatal crashes occurred on Victorian roads.
From 01 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, 296 people lost their lives on Victorian roads.
When examined together, these two statistics reveal that for every 100,000 people, 3.95 fatal vehicle crashes occurred, and 4.19 lives were lost in road accidents.
These devastating statistics were presented in the Transport Accident Commission (‘TAC’) Road Safety Quarterly Statistics Report 2025, and illustrate the real circumstances faced by road users on Victorian roads every day.
It is important to remember that behind each statistic is a real accident, involving not only the victim, but also a driver who may find themselves as the accused (criminally charged). In some cases, the accused may also find themselves navigating the criminal justice system for the first time.
In scenarios like this, it is essential to seek advice from an experienced Victorian lawyer who routinely handles serious driving offences, understands the relevant law(s), and knows how the law(s) apply to your case.
The Issue
Our client was subsequently charged with the following:
- 1x Dangerous driving causing death or serious injury – Crimes Act 1958 (Vic) (Section 319)
- 2x Reckless conduct endangering serious injury – Crimes Act 1958 (Section 23)
- 2x Dangerous driving – Crimes Act 1958 (Section 64)
- 1x Careless driving – Crimes Act 1958 (Section 65)
Our client was facing imprisonment, with the charges not only being serious in nature, but also potentially posing a significant period of time in custody and a harsh criminal record. Our client was also at risk of losing his driving license(s).
Our Approach
We negotiated the charges and convinced the prosecution that although the impact of the collision was significant for the victim(s), our client was not found to have any traces of illicit drugs or alcohol in his system and had no prior convictions. Our client was also inexperienced and had only had his Victorian truck licence for seven months prior to the collision.
The prosecution conceded to the arguments and agreed for our client to enter a plea for the charge of 1x Careless driving – Crimes Act 1958 (Section 65).
On the date of the hearing, the first victim could not appear in person because of their injuries, but the victim impact statement was read in the court. The first victim’s family appeared on their behalf.
The Outcome
The outcome of our client’s case was extraordinary.
Our client was fined $1,200.00 without any conviction recorded. The remaining five charges were struck out by the court, and our client’s licence was not cancelled or suspended.
Are you facing serious driving offences? Do you need assistance in navigating the complexities of your case and the criminal justice system?
At Saundh, Singh & Smith Lawyers, it’s possible.
Let’s discuss your options.
