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Received a Letter from the NHVR? Facing Court?

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.

  • Former NHVR Prosecutor. Courtroom Advocate.
  • Defending Truck Drivers & Transport Businesses Across NSW.

Get your case review now

Our NHVR lawyer will review your case and contact you right after.

    You Only Get One Chance To Respond Properly

    Many NHVR matters are won or lost long before the Court date.

    • The first response.
    • The first request for information.
    • The first strategic decision.
    • Those moments matter.

    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.

    Chain of Responsibility (CoR) and Fatigue

    What's Really At Stake?

    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:

    • What happens if this goes to Court?
    • What will this cost?
    • Will this affect my business?
    • Will this affect future contracts?
    • Have I already said something I shouldn’t have?
    • Am I personally exposed?
    • What happens next?

    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:

    • How NHVR investigations are conducted
    • How enforcement decisions are made
    • How evidence is gathered
    • How prosecutors prepare cases
    • How matters are argued in Court

    As a former NHVR Prosecutor, Eric Navea has worked on the other side of the process.

    Strong Court Representation

    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 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

    What Is At Stake?

    Potential consequences may include:

    • Significant Financial Penalties
    • Court Orders
    • Reputational Damage
    • Increased Regulatory Scrutiny
    • Loss Of Commercial Opportunities
    • Ongoing Compliance Consequences
    Eric-Navea-Legal-specializes-in-defending-truck-drivers.​
    For Drivers

    Your licence. Your livelihood. Your future.

    We-provide-professional-legal-service-for-transport-companies​
    For Businesses

    Your contracts. Your reputation. Your business.

    Heavy Vehicle Law & NHVR FAQs

    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.

    Yes.
    Eric regularly represents truck drivers, owner-drivers, transport operators and heavy vehicle businesses.
    Court advocacy is a core part of the practice.

    As soon as possible.
    Important decisions are often made in the early stages of an investigation or prosecution.

    Yes.
    We act for:
    Truck Drivers
    Owner Drivers
    Transport Operators
    Fleet Owners
    Logistics Businesses
    Directors
    Executives

    Ignoring NHVR correspondence can make a difficult situation worse.
    Deadlines may apply and opportunities may be lost.

    Potentially, yes.
    Depending on the circumstances, both individuals and companies may be investigated or prosecuted.

    Please bring:
    Infringement Notices
    Court Attendance Notices
    NHVR Correspondence
    Investigation Letters
    Requests For Information
    Relevant Business Records

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    The NHVR has broad investigative powers in certain circumstances.
    If the NHVR has contacted your business, obtain legal advice early.

    Investigations may involve requests for documents, interviews, inspections and evidence gathering.
    The decisions you make early can have long-term consequences.

    In some circumstances, yes.
    Before paying an infringement notice, obtain legal advice so you understand your options.

    Chain of Responsibility laws extend legal obligations beyond the driver and may apply to operators, schedulers, consignors, consignees, loaders, directors and executives.

    Costs depend on the complexity of the matter and whether Court proceedings are involved.
    We can discuss likely costs during an initial consultation.

    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.

    Yes.
    Even where allegations are accepted, the outcome is not automatic.
    Proper preparation and advocacy can significantly affect the outcome.

    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

    Don't Face The NHVR Alone

    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

    Request a Confidential Consultation

    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.

      Eric Navea Legal

      About Us

      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.

      Contact Us
      Level 1, 1-5 Link Road, Zetland NSW 2017
      1/244 Macquarie St, Liverpool NSW 2170
      200 Gilchrist Drive, Campbelltown NSW 2560