Ellis was given a wholly suspended four-month prison term and was disqualified from driving for two years for negligent driving causing the death of Launceston woman Natalia Pearn.

‘‘In comparison to similar types of matters, I think it’s pretty much in line,’’ Matthew Verney said.

‘‘I’ve seen cases of death by negligent driving result in a fine and licence disqualification. So what he’s received is far more serious and grave than a fine.’’

Mr Verney said it was not right to assume that a suspended sentence meant Ellis was getting off lightly.

‘‘They’re actually very serious, because it has to first meet the standard of being a matter that warrants a prison sentence,’’ he said.

‘‘From what I’ve read, the magistrate has satisfied himself that if Ellis was imprisoned he would be in jeopardy ... in that sense, the outcome would have probably been disproportionate.’’

Ellis was driving in the wrong lane of the Midland Highway near Spring Hill on March 24 last year when his car struck Miss Pearn’s hatchback, killing her instantly.

In sentencing Ellis on Tuesday, Hobart magistrate Chris Webster said the negligence was significant  but not at the higher end of the scale of seriousness for offences of death by negligent driving.

Mr Verney said the conviction recorded against Ellis would also have professional implications.

‘‘It could – and I’d emphasise the ‘could’ – mean the possibility of not being able to practise as a lawyer,’’ he said.

‘‘The recording of a conviction against me, for instance, could render me being considered not a fit and proper person.’’

Ellis has been suspended from his job on full pay since last year, and the government is taking advice about whether he should be sacked from the role.

Under the state’s laws, he can only be removed as DPP by the governor if he is guilty of misbehaviour or no longer able to perform his duties.

A Facebook group called ‘‘We want Tim Ellis fired’’ had attracted more than 5200 likes within 24 hours of being set up.