'Early Guilty Plea' (Speeding related)

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Can someone explain at what point this phrase is relevant?


I got a speeding summons in the door and have a court date for the end of September. I plan on attending court in person and pleading guilty instead of using the 'plead guilty by post' option. Have seen a few folks refer to an 'early guilty plea'. Does this just refer to how quick I return the actual summons to the court stating my intent?

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Thanks for the reply. I have taken a month of work from the given court date, just to cover myself incase of a short ban. If I plead guilty by post and they don't accept it, they would adjourn and set another date which means it would be a waste of time me being off work as it would probably be a few months again before they could see me. Turning up on the day means it will all be dealt with on the day and I can take it from there.

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Just to update this, had my day in court today. Was bricking it. Never been in a court before, don't fancy visiting one again. Was very nervous at the though of having to stand and read out my mitigation letter. I didn't need to though, as the clerk of court handed it to the judge and he read it himself.

I was charged with 62 in a 30. It was a four lane carriageway that I had mistaken as a 40. Clean driving record for 20 years.

Ended up with 5 points and a 300 quid fine, which was less than expected!

Anyway, no more speeding for me.

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edit................

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meteorgt2 said:

Out of curiosity what did you put in your letter.

Reason I ask is I'm due in court next Thursday for a similar over the limit speed.

Pm me if you like.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

No problems sharing here, have excluded a few personal details, hope it helps, Sir:






'Travelling at excessive speed is inexcusable, and I will accept any punishment that the court wishes to impose on me. However, I would like you to consider the following before passing judgement.


I passed my driving test in January 1994, and in over 20 years, I have never had any points for a speeding offence. I would appreciate if this could be kept in mind and I hope you will see that travelling 62mph in a 30mph zone was completely out of character for me.


I was on my to work when this incident occurred, and prior to setting off, I had been dealing with the break up of a long term relationship which resulted in me running late. The only explanation I can offer for my speeding is a momentary lapse of concentration as I was not in the best frame of mind and accelerated more than I should have over a short distance. The location where this happened is on a straight, four lane carridge way. I was driving alone, there was no other traffic either in front or behind me, and the road ahead was clear and dry.


I rely on my car for both work and personal use. As a ****** with a ******* company, my work involves constant unsociable hours. Living in ****** and working from ******* restricts the option for me to use public transport. My work duties also require me to use a company car on occasions.


Finally, I have a 10 year old son with whom I have shared custody over between 3 to 4 times a week. As my ex partner does not drive, it would make it very difficult for me to keep up his regular routine without a car.


I've had over 8 months now to dwell on the repercussion of my actions. The judgement today will not only affect me, it will also affect other people around me, especially my son. I am a very considerate driver, and I really am truly sorry for my actions on that morning.



Thank you.'





That's it. Also had a few bullet points for when I was asked if I have anything else to say before sentencing:


''I would like to apologise for taking up the courts time.''


''I am ashamed and embarrassed by my actions that have led me to be here today, and I wanted to attend in person to show that I do take the matter seriously.''


''I'd like to assure you that this was a one-off event, and I have no intention of putting myself into this situation again.''