can i defend myself in court for failing to identify the driver of a speeding offence?

Answer 1

You cannot be made to testify against your spouse, at least not in the US.

Good luck

Answer 2

I'm a police officer and have seen quite a few people try and defend themselves. It is your right to do it if you wish, but I'd advise against it. Reason being, within 2 minutes of beginning your defence I guarantee you'll sound like a second rate BBC courtroom drama. Using phrases like "I put it to you...." and calling the magistrate by any title other than the one they wish to be called by.
Basically, there isn't really a defence for not identifying the driver. If you don't identify them, then it'll be you who takes the points and fine. the old myths about saying the driver was from abroad and has gone back wont work, because if the vehicle is yours then you are liable for who drives it. So if you have a foreign licence holder as the perpetrator, then the court may question if they were insured to drive the vehicle. Allowing an uninsured person to drive your vehicle is another offence and you could find yourself in even more trouble.
Just take the points and fine... it's quicker and easier and you won't be liable for court costs which you will be if you lose the case. Ask yourself, is it worth it??!!

Answer 3

Hmmm...are they holding you in contempt because you were in the car and claimed you didn't know the person (friend, etc.) who was driving because you thought it might help your friend? Or...did you call the police on someone who was speeding? If this is so, and you cannot identify the driver, they cannot be held liable for speeding unless there is some other proof. If it's the former, I can't imagine anyone could form a case against you - it's a moving violation, not a crime you abetted. If you are scheduled to be in court for not identifying the driver, you should absolutely say his name. I hope this answers your question some.

Answer 4

You can defend yourself, but this is very foolish. Most judges will cut you no slack in the courtroom, they take a dim view of citizens trying to play lawyer. If the prosecuting attorney asks you and you refuse to answer and the judge says you must, then you could be held in contempt of court for refusing.

Answer 5

while you're caught by potential of a police guy doing 50mph in 30 zone, they could deliver you to courtroom and characteristic your licence bumped off (or extra factors). in case you went previous a speed digicam at 100mph in a 30 zone it rather is purely 3 factors, regardless. i think of they could desire to have the comparable regulations while you're caught by potential of a digicam, as in case you have been stopped by potential of the police. yet, right here is my occasion of speed digicam insanity - and why they (or some drivers atleast) are somewhat risky. i replaced into employing into London on Saturday final week, with my 2yr old boy in the automobile. i replaced into in lane a million (of three) doing 70 on a twin carriage way (i.e. no longer even dashing), there replaced right into a 4x4 in lane 2 doing sixty 5, so rather than be naughty and undertake, i began out to pass from lane a million to lane 3 to overhaul. merely as I have been given in the back of this 4x4, we found a speed digicam or maybe nevertheless no-one replaced into dashing she slammed on the breaks, I narrowly ignored her by potential of INCHES. What we want is coaching to make safer drivers, re-exams and checkups, no longer speed cameras.

Answer 6

Too late for that move when youre in court

Answer 7

Yes you may defend yourself if the judge believes you are capable to do so.

Answer 8

Sure, the lawyer who defends himself has a fool for a client.

Answer 9

Sure you could. I wouldn't suggest it. It's sort of like performing brain surgery on yourself. You may be able to do it, but you sure wont like the results.

Answer 10

yeah but you may want to chat with a lawyer himself discussing the details and such-are any of your friends lawyers?