GRADUALLY computers are taking over our lives, especially when it comes to motoring matters.
We can insure and tax our cars on line and a few weeks ago we were hearing about virtual courts to deal with seasonal motoring offences.
It has now all gone a stage further because the rapidly expanding world of technology is opening the field for computerised legal representation on motoring matters.
The UK's first virtual solicitor for drivers, Road Traffic Representation, was launched offering a degree of free advice for drivers.
Designed by solicitors, tested by barristers and available around the clock, the service allows users to find out how the law will be applied in their case, what the likely outcome of a summons will be and whether there are any grounds for mitigation or dismissal.
The system has taken three years to develop in order to ensure that the technology precisely matches how a solicitor would apply the law given the facts which a user inputs into the web site, and can therefore accurately advise on the chances of conviction and likely penalty.
All of the fundamental legal diagnosis is provided for free. Through a series of easy-to-use screens the user is guided through the same fact-finding process that a solicitor would use.
The user only has to pay if there is a need for more specific legal help by telephone, where a fixed fee of £35 including VAT is payable. The user also has the opportunity to instruct a barrister online if there is a need for representation in court.
The system is designed to help the many thousands of people who either handle the legal process alone and may end up with an excessive or unjust penalty, or who rack up legal fees just to get basic advice.
Unlike the majority of legal practices which are only available on weekdays during office hours, the service can be accessed at all times online.
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