Success of the Criminal Law Team in a road traffic safety endangerment case.

We are pleased to announce the success of Sadkowski and Partners. On 22 September 2025, a final and binding acquittal judgment was issued in favor of our Client in a misdemeanor case under Article 86 § 1 of the Polish Code of Misdemeanors.

Key aspects of the case

The case handled by our team confirms that, regardless of the issuance of a penal order judgment carrying severe consequences, the final outcome of the proceedings may change significantly once a defense counsel is appointed. An appropriately adopted defense strategy can effectively lead to a reassessment of the prosecution’s narrative in a given case.

What does this mean in practice?

Our Client was accused of endangering road traffic safety by allegedly placing a motor vehicle into a drifting maneuver, which was said to result in cutting off another driver, who subsequently collided with yet another vehicle, which then struck a fence surrounding a private property. Following the filing of a motion for punishment, the court issued a penal order judgment finding our Client guilty of the alleged offense and imposed a fine as well as a criminal measure in the form of a one-year ban on driving all motor vehicles. This ruling was particularly severe for the Client due to the nature of his profession and his ongoing need for unrestricted mobility. Additionally, the court ordered the Client to cover the costs of the proceedings. In practice, the imposition of such a driving ban often leads to a significant deterioration in everyday functioning and, in some cases, even to the loss of employment.

Defense strategy and outcome

The Criminal Law Team conducted a thorough analysis of the collected evidence and subsequently took appropriate procedural steps. During the evidentiary proceedings, it was established that the Client did not place the vehicle into a drifting maneuver and, consequently, did not cause the collision between the other two vehicles. Thanks to the efforts of the Criminal Law Team, the evidence initially gathered by the law enforcement authorities was effectively verified and further supplemented at the judicial stage of the proceedings.

The court fully accepted the arguments presented by the defense, which ultimately resulted in an acquittal judgment. Owing to the substantive engagement of the team, the Client avoided not only the negative consequences arising from the prior finding of guilt but, above all, those related to the imposition of the driving ban.

As a result, the case concluded successfully for our Client, allowing him to continue driving without restrictions and to carry out his professional duties without disruption. This case clearly demonstrates that the involvement of a defense counsel is highly advisable and effective even in misdemeanor proceedings.

We therefore encourage individuals to seek the assistance of our attorneys at every stage of the proceedings—preparatory, judicial, and enforcement—as well as in all types of cases, whether involving criminal offenses or misdemeanors.

Case team

• Agata Wiśniewska – Managing Associate, Advocate, Criminal Law Department
• Beata Woch – Advocate, Partner, Criminal Law Department