Hope someone can help with my options......
I was caught speeding on the M62 two weeks ago by an unmarked police vehicle. My average speed was 96.48mph. I was told by the West Yorkshire Police officer that due to my average being over 95mph he was unable to issue me with a speeding ticket and that the matter would now be dealt with by the Magistrates. I believe I could be looking between 3-6 penalty points and a minimum fine of £60.
As I live in Manchester the prospect of travelling to Leeds for the court summons is something I am not looking forward to due to managerial work commitments. I am 28, have never been caught speeding before and this is my first motoring offence.
I believe there is an option not to appear in court and to accept whatever the Magistrates throw at me. Would appearing in court increase my chances of a more lenient decision regarding points and fines?
Any advice would be greatly received. Thanks
Mr B
2007-03-13 01:27:42 · 11 answers · asked by The Questionator 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Some Magistrates may look favourably on your attendance.
At 97 you could be looking at a ban. I'd turn up if I were you.
2007-03-13 01:33:01 · answer #1 · answered by leedsmikey 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yeah. I wouldn't waste your time on a solicitor or anything and just plead guilty by letter or whatever. Unless you are really looking at an automatic ban that would affect your job (which is unlikely as this is your first offence and was on a motorway as opposed to a built-up urban area - I think the threshold for a ban is 100mph, so you might just get away with it, though a short ban is a very real possibility), I'd just accept the points and fine. Contesting these things usually makes it worse and they start asking you to pay not only your court costs but those of the police as well. If it was me, I'd just hold my hands up and throw myself on the mercy of the court. You can try apologising in person, but it won't make a lot of difference in the long run.
2007-03-13 08:37:10 · answer #2 · answered by Mental Mickey 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The only option you have to prevent you appearing in the court would be if they offer you the option of a guilty plea by post, you can still enter mitigating circumstances if you have any and bring to the courts attention you previousley good driving record.
Because your speed was under 100 they will probably offer you this option, normally with 3 points and £60 + £30 - £50 court costs, sometimes it might be higher but the court usually tries to deal with these matters without too much time.
Good luck
2007-03-13 10:17:04 · answer #3 · answered by rick_wenham 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Hi
I would turn up to court as they might give you some harder as you have not bothered to come to court. That is very fast really, i know a lot of people do, do speeds over that but you have to think of your safety and others. My cousin was killed at the age of 4 cause of some one driving too fast (80 miles per hour) on the motoway.
Just grin and bear what every they give you and dont speed again.
Good luck
2007-03-13 08:44:10 · answer #4 · answered by Pinkflower 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It shouldn't affect your penalty if you enter a guilty plea. I was in a similar situation when I lived in London but was caught on the M4 is Somerset. I got 6 points and a £240 fine, which was the maximum I could get (102.4mph), so I don't think being there really helped.
2007-03-13 08:32:58 · answer #5 · answered by mark 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
appearing in court wont make any difference to the points, you may get away with a smaller fine if your mitigating circumstances are accepted by the courts.but you had better have a good excuse as to why you were travelling at that speed.
2007-03-13 08:46:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The magistrates have very little leeway in terms oif points...expect at least three..BUT they have a lot of leeway regarding a fine. If you go you can personnally say sorry...tell them about your finances and ask for time to pay etc.....they will listen and be fair. DO NOT try to lie to them..they will sniff it out ..they get it all the time. Be smart...be polite..say sorry..be honest. You will do yourself a favour by going.
Good Luck...
2007-03-13 08:35:02 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Points are points, you're going to get them and the lesson is...don't speed....the speeding laws are there for a very good reason, to save lives and prevent accidents. You have to work out where your priorities lie, work or speaking before the court to show remorse?
2007-03-13 15:08:18 · answer #8 · answered by SunnyDays 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would go to court you could be looking a a ban best of luck and slow down ......if only a bit ......mind you if your driving a BMW hope you get what you deseve .
2007-03-13 08:39:36 · answer #9 · answered by speyhawkzamek 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you could be looking at a ban, not really worth going to court on this one. just take it on the chin. if they do ban you, can i have your car ?
2007-03-14 05:19:47 · answer #10 · answered by sunnybums 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋