Can You Go to Jail for a Speeding Ticket in Victoria?
If you drive often, you might have found yourself exceeding the speed limit occasionally. For many drivers who find themselves in such a situation, a common question that they have is whether it is possible for them to go to jail for a speeding ticket. Unfortunately, the answer to this question is not a simple one and there are many factors that can affect the final penalties if you are charged with speeding. In this post, we take a closer look at what exactly you can expect if you are charged with a speeding offence in Victoria.
How Are Speeding Offences Categorised in Victoria?
In Victoria, the type of speeding offence that you are charged with is the main factor that will affect the penalties that you can expect to face. Speeding offences are generally categorised based how much you were exceeding the speed limit by at the time you were charged with speeding. This can range from exceeding the speed limit by less than 10km/h, which carries a fine of $240 and 1 demerit point, all the way up to exceeding the speed limit by 45km/h or more, which carries a fine of $962 and a 12-month license suspension.
Can You Go to Jail if You Are Charged with Speeding?
Most standard speeding tickets are only punishable by a fine and demerit points and you will generally not face a jail sentence for them. However, more serious speeding offences including excessive speeding offences, which involve driving at over 130km/h or exceeding the speed limit by 25km/h or more, are considered criminal offences and can give you a criminal record if convicted. Nonetheless, you will generally not go to jail if you are charged only with speeding, but may still face a jail term if you are also guilty of other driving offences such as dangerous or reckless driving, drink driving or driving without a license.
What to Do If You Have Been Charged with Speeding?
In most cases, drivers who have been charged with speeding will choose not to contest the charges and will opt to pay the fine and move on. However, if you believe that you have been wrongfully charged or have been charged with other driving offences that potentially carry a jail term, you may choose to contest the charge in court. In such cases, your first step should always be to consult a criminal defence lawyer who would be able to advise you on the legal rights and defences you might have.
Leanne Warren & Associates: Top Criminal Lawyers in Melbourne
Leanne Warren & Associates are the leading criminal lawyers in Melbourne and our team of experienced lawyers has decades of combined experience in helping our clients obtain the best outcomes in their cases. Contact us today for a free, 30-minute consultation to find out more about how we can help with whatever criminal offence you have been charged with.
