Disadvantaged vehicle owners are being forced to choose between paying a fee to release their impounded cars or covering legal costs or if they want to challenge their charge, a law expert says.
Disadvantaged vehicle owners are being forced to choose between paying a fee to release their impounded cars or covering legal costs — even if they have a genuine defence to their charge, the Law Society of South Australia says.Alleged offenders are required to pay $1,135 in 28 days, or up to $1,395.50 in 38 days, to release their carThose who can not afford the release fee or legal help could be left without a vehiclerules targeting dangerous drivers were brought in on July 1 last year.
"The society is aware of cases involving drivers facing the destruction of their vehicle who potentially have had a genuine defence to their charge, but have been unable to afford the impounding fee required to release their car, and who are also unable to afford legal representation," he said. But they said a refund will be paid if a matter is discontinued, withdrawn or a person is found not guilty by the court.
"Clearly, those who will have difficulties paying for the considerable release fee and cannot afford to contest a charge even if they have a legitimate defence are going to be far worse off than those who can comfortably pay for their vehicle to be released," he said.
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