79 in a 50 on the A11
Discussion
I have just had the letter informing me that this is going to court. It will be my first conviction in 12 years of driving.
Should I go to court? What can I expect points or a ban? I am a mechanic therefore my licence is pretty essential for my job will they take this into consideration?
Thanks in advance
Chris
Should I go to court? What can I expect points or a ban? I am a mechanic therefore my licence is pretty essential for my job will they take this into consideration?
Thanks in advance
Chris
Hi Chris!
Which magistrates are you going to?
I was caught on the A11 in June last year, in the Suffolk part of the road - admittedly was was doing 120 in a 70. Its usually 30mph over the limit for a 28 day ban, I believe????
If it states 79, you're just under that, although being made to appear in court isn't a good sign.
You may escape with 3 points and £60 fine.
For my excessive speed, I "only" received 3 months ban and £150 fine, plus I have to retake my test.
Also, as your job requires a licence, they may slap you with a heftier fine + points, if its not the standard 3 points/£60 fine.
Good luck!
Darren
Which magistrates are you going to?
I was caught on the A11 in June last year, in the Suffolk part of the road - admittedly was was doing 120 in a 70. Its usually 30mph over the limit for a 28 day ban, I believe????
If it states 79, you're just under that, although being made to appear in court isn't a good sign.
You may escape with 3 points and £60 fine.
For my excessive speed, I "only" received 3 months ban and £150 fine, plus I have to retake my test.
Also, as your job requires a licence, they may slap you with a heftier fine + points, if its not the standard 3 points/£60 fine.
Good luck!
Darren
iluvmercs said:
You may escape with 3 points and £60 fine.
That's no escape, that's a small mugging.
Any penalty for doing nothing harmful or dangerous that just happens to put you the wrong side of an arbitrary law is oppression.
You may have to cough in the meantime, but be angry, prepare to get even.
...elections in May, use 'em.
fluffnik said:
iluvmercs said:
You may escape with 3 points and £60 fine.
That's no escape, that's a small mugging.
Any penalty for doing nothing harmful or dangerous that just happens to put you the wrong side of an arbitrary law is oppression.
You may have to cough in the meantime, but be angry, prepare to get even.
...elections in May, use 'em.
I call it an "escape" because of my experiences.
If it goes to court, then it could up to the discretion of the courts, as to his punishment.
Using my case as example, I was told to expect 6 months ban and £500 fine as a starting point for my punishment. As it was up to the discretion of the courts, they - for whatever reason - decided on a lesser punishment.
Unfortunately the law seems very Black and White. It does matter whether you cross the line by an inch or a mile, if yoo over step the mark, you've overstepped it.
It sucks, but thats the facts of our law system
Darren
fluffnik said:
...elections in May, use 'em.
I couldn't agree more.
I implore you to get out and vote
- it will make a difference.
Who you vote for is a secondary issue, but
you will look a lot silly if you grumble about
the current lot and then don't tell them
what you think at the ballot box.
Apathy simply isn't an option.
As a rule of thumb, if you turn up in a suit, apologise and don't bullshit, you should be looking at £250 and 6 points.
If you piss them off, expect a short ban, a fine, and no points.
There is no point arguing about the rightness or wrongness of the law here (discussed ad nauseum elesewhere) just get off as lightly as possible and then vote the feckers out in May.
If you piss them off, expect a short ban, a fine, and no points.
There is no point arguing about the rightness or wrongness of the law here (discussed ad nauseum elesewhere) just get off as lightly as possible and then vote the feckers out in May.
i think going from other threads, and my own experience on the A11 (97 in a 70), they'll probably mutter about why shouldn't they ban you, you'll argue your case, be humble and generally grovel, then they'll give you 6 points and a £250-£300 fine.
you'll leave feeling relieved that they didn't ban you, life goes on, you'll forget about them, until your insurance renewal, where they'll rub their hands with glee when you tell them, and stick your premium up by a couple of hundred quid...... no, i'm not bitter!
you'll leave feeling relieved that they didn't ban you, life goes on, you'll forget about them, until your insurance renewal, where they'll rub their hands with glee when you tell them, and stick your premium up by a couple of hundred quid...... no, i'm not bitter!
looking at a six pointer
insurance is going to cripple you
sorry mate
now go beat up a granny and they might let you off
get a brief to try to get it back down to 3 pts but with a heavy fine
insurance will then just see three points no red flags waved
so how does it feel to be public enemy number one
just be glad you are under 80
insurance is going to cripple you
sorry mate
now go beat up a granny and they might let you off
get a brief to try to get it back down to 3 pts but with a heavy fine
insurance will then just see three points no red flags waved
so how does it feel to be public enemy number one
just be glad you are under 80
For once, some serious advice. Some of this may seem daft but it works. I spent six years as a criminal barrister. Odd things make a difference. The details here might seem a little Bateman-esque, but they matter.
1. Go to court. Wear a plain black or dark blue suit (and not one of those ones which buttons up to the collar.....known in the trade as a Yoof Court Special....) and plain white shirt (not button down collar) and a plain tie (no Disney or Tartan.) Plain black socks. Polish your shoes, which will not have any buckles or tassles, nor be slip ons of any description. No visible jewellery save for a watch, espcially ear rings and sovereign rings. Cover up all tattoos. Get a smart clean haircut, no gel. Essentially look like an off duty copper.........
2. Turn up for Court early. Go and find the listing officer for your court. Introduce yourself - "Erm, excuse me, sorry to bother you, but my name is xxxx and I need some help because I am a bit lost." Be polite, and explain that you've never been in court before and you are a bit unsure of what to do. Be polite to them - everyone gives the listing officer sh1t all day, and if some turns up looking smart and clean and is pleasant (see 1) then they will likely ensure that the court clerk knows you are not the normal scrote and get your case on quickly so you don't have to spend too long inhaling ganja and sweat in the waiting room. This makes a big difference, especially when the court clerk tells the Magistrates that you seem an unusual type of person to be in court as you seem very nice and not at all the usual type of customer......
3. When your case is called on, if you are pleading guilty then pleade "GUILTY SIR."
4. When they ask you what you want to say, do not start to justify anything. Just say you realise that you have done wrong and that you know that you behaved in an inapprorpiate fashion, and that you bitterly regret what has happened and the effect it has had on you and your family as you have been very worried about what would happen. Explain about your job, and bring a letter from your employer stating that you are a responsible and highly thought of employee, and that you have been driving for them for years with never so much as a tugged collar.
5. When you have said your piece, finish with "That is all I can say really sir. I am ashamed of being here, and I would ask you to consider my previously clean record and guilty plea when considering your decision. Then say THANK YOU and sit down.
These things taken together might stick in the throat, but they may well save your bacon.
Let us know how you get on.
1. Go to court. Wear a plain black or dark blue suit (and not one of those ones which buttons up to the collar.....known in the trade as a Yoof Court Special....) and plain white shirt (not button down collar) and a plain tie (no Disney or Tartan.) Plain black socks. Polish your shoes, which will not have any buckles or tassles, nor be slip ons of any description. No visible jewellery save for a watch, espcially ear rings and sovereign rings. Cover up all tattoos. Get a smart clean haircut, no gel. Essentially look like an off duty copper.........
2. Turn up for Court early. Go and find the listing officer for your court. Introduce yourself - "Erm, excuse me, sorry to bother you, but my name is xxxx and I need some help because I am a bit lost." Be polite, and explain that you've never been in court before and you are a bit unsure of what to do. Be polite to them - everyone gives the listing officer sh1t all day, and if some turns up looking smart and clean and is pleasant (see 1) then they will likely ensure that the court clerk knows you are not the normal scrote and get your case on quickly so you don't have to spend too long inhaling ganja and sweat in the waiting room. This makes a big difference, especially when the court clerk tells the Magistrates that you seem an unusual type of person to be in court as you seem very nice and not at all the usual type of customer......
3. When your case is called on, if you are pleading guilty then pleade "GUILTY SIR."
4. When they ask you what you want to say, do not start to justify anything. Just say you realise that you have done wrong and that you know that you behaved in an inapprorpiate fashion, and that you bitterly regret what has happened and the effect it has had on you and your family as you have been very worried about what would happen. Explain about your job, and bring a letter from your employer stating that you are a responsible and highly thought of employee, and that you have been driving for them for years with never so much as a tugged collar.
5. When you have said your piece, finish with "That is all I can say really sir. I am ashamed of being here, and I would ask you to consider my previously clean record and guilty plea when considering your decision. Then say THANK YOU and sit down.
These things taken together might stick in the throat, but they may well save your bacon.
Let us know how you get on.
Edited by Vesuvius 996 on Monday 19th February 14:53
Bing o said:
That's what I did exactly (well, I used a bit of fudge in my hair, but it really needs it...)
Onnly nearly lost it once when the magistrate asked me why I shouldn't be banned....
Onnly nearly lost it once when the magistrate asked me why I shouldn't be banned....
If you'd not had gunk in your hair you'd have got three points
And I am being very nearly serious.
Edited by Vesuvius 996 on Monday 19th February 14:49
vesuvious996 said:
If you'd not had gunk in your hair you'd have got three points
And I am being very nearly serious.
And I am being very nearly serious.
My hair is shit without "product" - that is a fact.
Nice to know that the criminal justice system is built upon what hair product you use...
(That from a load of people who still wear wigs on a daily basis....)
Bing o said:
vesuvious996 said:
If you'd not had gunk in your hair you'd have got three points
And I am being very nearly serious.
And I am being very nearly serious.
My hair is shit without "product" - that is a fact.
Nice to know that the criminal justice system is built upon what hair product you use...
(That from a load of people who still wear wigs on a daily basis....)
It's not a fashion parade, mate.
Remember the people deciding whether you keep your licence are the worst kind of golf club snob. You have to pander to their prejudices. If the magistrate in your case hates hair gel, it probably cost you three points.
That's life. As I once said to a client as he appeared in court wearing a T shirt emblazoned with "Legalise the Herb"........
"Good luck in prison."
Edited by Vesuvius 996 on Monday 19th February 15:12
Carlos79 said:
Darren - did you choose to have a solicitor present?
I did indeed. He didn't, or couldn't, really defend me, as it was pretty obvious I was to blame. My case may be slighty different. I was pulled over.
The solicitor just read out some bits trying to explain what kind of person I am, and that I was very sorry, etc, etc. I had a couple of character statements from a lawyer and CEO my Dad works with.
I also seemed to be the only defendant that day, to be dressed in a suit.
Darren
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