If you’ve been contacted by the NHVR, received an infringement notice, been served with a Court Attendance Notice, or are facing allegations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), early legal advice can make a significant difference.
As a former NHVR Prosecutor, Eric Navea understands how heavy vehicle investigations are conducted, how enforcement decisions are made, and how matters are prosecuted in Court.
Now he uses that experience to defend truck drivers, transport operators and heavy vehicle businesses throughout Sydney.
Our NHVR lawyer will review your case and contact you right after.
Many NHVR matters are won or lost long before the Court date.
When mistakes are made early, they can be difficult to undo later.
Before responding to the NHVR, obtain advice from a Heavy vehicle lawyer who understands how investigations are conducted and how matters are prepared for prosecution.
For many drivers, their licence is their livelihood.
For many operators, their business is their family’s future.
An NHVR investigation can create uncertainty that spreads far beyond a single allegation.
Questions start appearing immediately:
Many people don’t seek legal advice until after important decisions have already been made.
That can be a costly mistake.
The earlier legal strategy is obtained, the more opportunities there may be to protect your position.
Why Choose Eric Navea Legal?
When the NHVR contacts you, the last thing you need is a heavy vehicle lawyer learning the industry at your expense.
You need someone who already understands:
As a former NHVR Prosecutor, Eric Navea has worked on the other side of the process.
He understands the regulator. He understands the Court. And he understands what’s at stake for drivers and transport businesses.
When your livelihood, business and reputation are on the line, you need more than legal advice.
You need an advocate.
Eric regularly appears in Court and is committed to achieving the strongest possible outcome based on the circumstances of each case.
Whether defending allegations, negotiating with prosecutors or representing clients in contested proceedings, Court advocacy is a core part of what he does.
Have you received correspondence from the NHVR?
Many businesses make the mistake of responding before obtaining legal advice.
Early legal representation may help protect your position and avoid costly mistakes.
If the NHVR has commenced Court proceedings against you or your business, obtaining specialist legal representation as early as possible is critical.
Chain of Responsibility Defence
Chain of Responsibility extends legal obligations beyond the driver.
Transport operators, employers, schedulers, consignors, consignees and executives may all be exposed to liability under the HVNL.
If allegations have been made against you or your business, legal advice should be sought immediately.
We assist with matters involving:
Work Diary Breaches
Fatigue Management Compliance
Standard Hours
Basic Fatigue Management
Advanced Fatigue Management
We represent clients facing allegations involving:
Overmass Offences
Axle Group Overloading
Load Restraint Issues
Loading Compliance Matters
Potential consequences may include:
Your licence. Your livelihood. Your future.
Your contracts. Your reputation. Your business.
The NHVR Has Contacted Me. Should I Be Worried?
Being contacted by the NHVR doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be prosecuted.
However, it does mean you should take the matter seriously.
Many people make the mistake of responding before understanding the allegations, evidence or potential consequences.
Can You Represent Me In Court?
Yes.
Eric regularly represents truck drivers, owner-drivers, transport operators and heavy vehicle businesses.
Court advocacy is a core part of the practice.
How Soon Should I Contact a heavy vehicle lawyer?
As soon as possible.
Important decisions are often made in the early stages of an investigation or prosecution.
Do You Act For Drivers And Businesses?
Yes.
We act for:
Truck Drivers
Owner Drivers
Transport Operators
Fleet Owners
Logistics Businesses
Directors
Executives
What Happens If I Ignore An NHVR Notice?
Ignoring NHVR correspondence can make a difficult situation worse.
Deadlines may apply and opportunities may be lost.
Can My Company And I Both Be Charged?
Potentially, yes.
Depending on the circumstances, both individuals and companies may be investigated or prosecuted.
What Should I Bring To My First Meeting?
Please bring:
Infringement Notices
Court Attendance Notices
NHVR Correspondence
Investigation Letters
Requests For Information
Relevant Business Records
Do I Need A Lawyer For An NHVR Investigation?
If the NHVR has contacted you regarding an investigation, obtaining legal advice before responding may help protect your position and ensure you understand your rights and obligations.
I'm a Director of a Transport Business. Should I Be Concerned?
Directors and executives can have obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law that extend beyond the actions of individual drivers.
If the NHVR is investigating your business, it is important to understand whether any allegations may extend beyond the company itself.
I've Been Given a Court Attendance Notice. What Happens Next?
A Court Attendance Notice means you’re facing Court proceedings. The earlier you obtain legal advice, the more time there is to assess the allegations, review the evidence and develop a strategy.
If you’ve received a Court Attendance Notice, contact us immediately.
I've Received an NHVR Infringement Notice. What Should I Do?
Don’t assume it’s “just a fine.”
Before paying or responding, make sure you understand your options and the potential consequences.
Contact us today before making a decision.
Why Should I Speak To A Former NHVR Prosecutor?
Experience matters.
Eric previously worked as a Senior Prosecutor with the NHVR and understands how matters are investigated, assessed and prepared for Court.
Not necessarily.
Some matters can be resolved without a defended hearing, while others may require Court appearances.
Depending on the allegations, your licence, livelihood and ability to work may be affected.
Can The NHVR Enter My Business?
The NHVR has broad investigative powers in certain circumstances.
If the NHVR has contacted your business, obtain legal advice early.
What Happens During An NHVR Investigation?
Investigations may involve requests for documents, interviews, inspections and evidence gathering.
The decisions you make early can have long-term consequences.
Can An NHVR Fine Be Challenged?
In some circumstances, yes.
Before paying an infringement notice, obtain legal advice so you understand your options.
What Is Chain Of Responsibility?
Chain of Responsibility laws extend legal obligations beyond the driver and may apply to operators, schedulers, consignors, consignees, loaders, directors and executives.
How Much Does A Heavy Vehicle Lawyer Cost?
Costs depend on the complexity of the matter and whether Court proceedings are involved.
We can discuss likely costs during an initial consultation.
Is It Too Late To Get A Lawyer If I've Already Spoken To The NHVR?
No.
Many clients contact us after they have already responded to the NHVR or participated in an investigation.
While early intervention is preferable, legal advice may still assist in understanding your position and developing a strategy moving forward.
Do I Need A Lawyer If I'm Planning To Plead Guilty?
Yes.
Even where allegations are accepted, the outcome is not automatic.
Proper preparation and advocacy can significantly affect the outcome.
What Types Of Heavy Vehicle Matters Do You Handle?
NHVR Investigations
NHVR Prosecutions
Infringement Notices
Court Attendance Notices
Chain of Responsibility Allegations
Fatigue Offences
Work Diary Breaches
Mass & Loading Offences
Vehicle Defect Matters
Executive & Director Liability Matters
If you’ve received an infringement notice, Court Attendance Notice, investigation letter or have concerns about a potential NHVR prosecution, obtain legal advice before making important decisions.
Speak With A Sydney Heavy Vehicle Lawyer Today.
Eric Navea – From Prosecutor To Protector
Heavy Vehicle Defence Lawyer
Court Representation For Truck Drivers & Transport Businesses
Get a response directly from a heavy vehicle lawyer. Take comfort in knowing help is on the way.
Former NHVR Prosecutor. Courtroom Advocate. Defending Truck Drivers & Transport Businesses Across NSW.
2026 © Eric Navea Legal. All rights reserved.
Few lawyers can offer what Eric brings to the table. With over ten years as a Prosecutor for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP NSW), plus experience across National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, Building Commission NSW, and SafeWork NSW, Eric knows the criminal justice system from the inside out.