December 10, 2025
Criminal law solicitor Sarah Myatt explains why proposed jury trial reforms won’t solve court delays and risk undermining a key pillar of UK justice.
Totting Up Disqualification Solicitors
The prospect of facing a totting up disqualification can bring turmoil to your life. Being banned from driving can affect your job, income and ability to care for your family. If you're in this situation, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible.
The criminal law team at Switalskis specialises in road traffic offence cases. We’ll listen to your concerns, and handle your case effectively. We'll protect your rights, and explore how we can defend your position.
To discuss your situation and find out how we can assist you, give us a call today on 0800 1380 458, or get in touch with us via our website.
At Switalskis, we'll break down the complex legal language involved in totting up ban cases, to give you a simple and straightforward understanding of your options. And once you've given us the go-ahead, we'll begin building your case and finding ways to defend you.
Whatever your circumstances, we’ll look at every angle to build your strongest possible case. If you have to go to court, we'll be able to represent you throughout. We'll keep you informed, and make sure you understand the potential outcomes.
When you 'tot up' more than 12 points on your licence over a three-year period, you will be disqualified from driving for six months or longer, depending on the nature of your offence.
If you find yourself in this situation, there are legal arguments that may help you keep your licence or reduce the length of your sentence. If you can show the court that a driving ban would cause serious issues for your employment, dependents, or others who rely on you, it may be possible for you to keep your licence. This is called exceptional hardship, but it is not the only defence that is available in these situations.
Switalskis motoring offence solicitors can help prepare a strong defence for you and argue your case in court. Contact us as early as possible before your court date, so we can prepare your best possible case.
Here are the steps that will be taken to help you defend your driving ban:
You call our team, as soon as you can. We'll discuss your situation in detail, so by the end of the call you'll know the possible outcomes, and what your options are.
We’ll then gather the evidence needed for a strong case. This might include a letter from your employer showing how a ban would affect your job, or medical documents if you rely on driving for health reasons. You could also provide statements from family members who depend on you.
Make sure you save all documents related to your case, including things like letters from the police, court notices and your own records. These will play an important part in building your defence.
We'll handle contact with the authorities on your behalf. We'll keep you fully updated, so you can focus on living your life while we manage this process.
When the time comes for your hearing, we'll represent you in court. We'll present a compelling argument based on the evidence that seeks to secure your right to drive and defend you against the charges you’re facing.
Once the hearing is over, you'll have a decision. We can also support your case through sentencing and during the appeals process, where relevant.
A driving disqualification usually lasts six months for a first totting up offence. If you’ve had a previous disqualification, it could last 12 months or more.
Receiving further penalty points can lead to a totting up driving ban. This may result in a longer disqualification, especially if you have a history of repeated offences.
Yes, but you’ll need new reasons. Courts won’t accept the same arguments you used in a previous application within the last 3 years. As such, it is best to drive safely and avoid the risk of further disqualifications, or to work with an expert solicitor to develop the strongest possible defence.
Once the disqualification period ends, you’ll need to reapply for your driving licence. This might involve completing additional tests, depending on your case.
This is a serious offence. Driving while disqualified is a separate offence that can result in more severe consequences. This could result in further legal action, including a longer ban or additional penalties.
Reach out to us today for a free, no-obligation consultation by calling 0800 1380 458, or contacting us through the website.
Criminal law solicitor Sarah Myatt explains why proposed jury trial reforms won’t solve court delays and risk undermining a key pillar of UK justice.
The announcement that Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) will be removed in 2028 has sparked debate, but one point is clear. If these roles are to go, the funding released must be directed towards areas where it can make a genuine difference to safety and public confidence.
Sarah Myatt joined Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero on an exclusive true crime podcast ‘True Criminals’. The episode, ‘Wrongfully Convicted: The Peter Sullivan Story’ discusses the recent quashed conviction of Peter Sullivan, the UK’s longest serving victim of a miscarriage of justice.
Sarah Myatt, Solicitor Advocate and legal representative for Peter Sullivan, has spoken to Phil McCann at the BBC about the government’s proposed uplift in compensation for victims of miscarriages of justice.
Our solicitors are experts at handling totting up offences and driving bans. If you’re facing a ban and need clear advice, Switalskis will guide you through the legal labyrinth. We will give you:
We'll answer your questions, and make sure you fully understand what is happening at each stage so you can make informed decisions.
We'll take time to understand your situation, and give advice that's right for you.
We're a safe pair of hands with a solid track record dealing with motoring offence cases. Switalskis has secured positive outcomes for many clients over the years, and we’ll seek the best possible resolution for you.
It's important for us your voice is heard, and your rights are upheld during this process, including your legal right to a defence.
To learn more about how we can help you to navigate your totting up disqualification, simply call us today on 0800 1380 458 or contact us through our website.