High speed police chase - discharge without conviction

We recently represented a skilled professional who had pleaded guilty to a traffic offence carrying heavy penalties, including a mandatory criminal record and licence disqualification.

He was on his motorbike when fleeing from the police, reaching a speed of 157 km/h in a 50 km/h area.

Our client faced catastrophic consequences from a conviction:

• Immediate loss of career pathway as a licensed industry inspector

• Risk to his work visa and ability to remain in New Zealand with his family

• Financial instability due to employment restrictions

  
  

Through a strategic application under s106 of the Sentencing Act, we demonstrated that a conviction would be grossly disproportionate to the offence. The Court accepted our arguments based on:

• Strong evidence of professional and personal repercussions

• The client’s otherwise exemplary character and commitment to rehabilitation

• The severe and irreversible impact a conviction would have on his family

  
  

Result: The client received a discharge without conviction — no criminal record, no licence disqualification, and his career, visa, and family stability were fully preserved.