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    Totting Up across the North West

    Motoring Law, Manchester

    Totting Up Solicitor in Manchester

    If you are facing 12 points and a totting up ban in Manchester, you are looking at a minimum 6 month disqualification unless the court is persuaded that a ban would cause exceptional hardship. That argument succeeds on evidence, not assertion, and it has to be prepared properly.

    Solicitor Sean Reilly prepares and argues exceptional hardship applications for drivers across Manchester and the wider Greater Manchester area. The first call is free on 07538 545 934.

    Sean Reilly, criminal defence solicitor in Manchester

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    What exceptional hardship actually means

    Exceptional hardship is not simply inconvenience. It is loss of employment, dependants who rely on you, a business and staff that cannot function without you. The court hears these applications regularly, so the bar is a real one: the hardship has to be beyond what any driver banned for 6 months would suffer.

    These applications succeed on evidence: payslips, employer letters, accounts, medical evidence and a witness who can be cross examined without falling apart. Sean prepares the application properly, prepares you to give evidence, and puts the argument to the bench in a way that gives the court a lawful route to keep you driving.

    The ban lengths and how they add up

    Reaching 12 points within 3 years means a minimum 6 month disqualification. The minimum rises to 12 months where there has been a previous disqualification, and 24 months for a second disqualification within 3 years.

    The court looks at the points on your licence at the date of the hearing, so the historic record matters. If points are wrongly recorded, or an old endorsement is being counted incorrectly, that can change whether you reach 12 at all.

    Defending the final offence

    Sometimes the best way to avoid a totting up ban is to stop the final points going on at all. If the offence that would take you to 12 can be defended, or resolved without points, the totting up problem can fall away entirely.

    Sean looks at the whole picture: the final allegation, the historic points, and the hardship argument, and advises you on the combination that gives you the best chance of staying on the road. Every case depends on its own facts, and no outcome can be guaranteed.

    Your case at Manchester Magistrates' Court

    Motoring cases from across Manchester are usually heard at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Crown Square, Manchester M60 1PR. The court and date for your hearing will be on your charge sheet, postal requisition or single justice procedure notice.

    Sean attends Manchester Magistrates' Court regularly and knows how listings work there, including the busiest morning courts where motoring cases are called on. If your case is indicted or sent to the Crown Court, he will explain what that means for you at the outset.

    Getting advice from Manchester

    You do not need to travel to get advice. Most of Sean's Manchester clients start with a free phone call, and consultations can be done by phone or video at a time that suits you, including evenings where the case is urgent.

    Clients come to Sean from across the city, including Manchester city centre, Didsbury, Chorlton, Gorton and Wythenshawe. You deal with Sean directly from the first call to the final hearing, not a call handler or a case worker.

    This page is general information, not legal advice on your case. Every case depends on its own facts, so speak to Sean about your situation before you decide anything.

    STR Legal Ltd is a consultancy, not an SRA-regulated law firm. Legal services are provided through SRA-regulated law firms, as explained on our how we work page.

    Penalties you could face

    • Minimum 6 month ban for 12 points in 3 years
    • 12 months where there has been a previous disqualification
    • 24 months for a second disqualification within 3 years

    How Sean can help

    • Exceptional hardship application with supporting evidence
    • Challenging whether historic points are correctly recorded
    • Defending the final offence so the points are never imposed

    Frequently asked questions

    Does losing my job count as exceptional hardship in Manchester?

    It can, particularly where the consequences extend to dependants, employees or a business. The court needs evidence, not assertion, so the application has to be prepared with documents and witnesses.

    Can I avoid the ban altogether?

    Sometimes. If the final offence can be defended or resolved without points, you may never reach 12. Otherwise an exceptional hardship application is the lawful route to ask the court not to disqualify.

    What evidence do I need for exceptional hardship?

    Payslips, employer letters, business accounts, medical evidence and anything that shows the impact on people who depend on you. Sean will tell you exactly what to gather and prepare you to give evidence.

    Which court will my totting up case be heard at?

    Manchester motoring cases are usually heard at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Crown Square, Manchester M60 1PR. Your charge sheet, postal requisition or single justice notice will confirm the court and date.

    Can I get advice without travelling?

    Yes. The first call is free on 07538 545 934, and most advice can be given by phone or video. If your case goes to court, Sean attends with you.

    Sean Reilly, criminal defence solicitor in Manchester

    Totting Up advice in Manchester

    Free consultation call, straight answers and no jargon. Available for police station attendance and court hearings across the North West.

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