Speeding...Is it ever worth employing a solicitor?

[Wacky Racer]

Every few days we see threads on these forums like:-

"I've been caught doing 95mph in a 40 limit, what kind of punishment am I looking at"?

Invariably the replies are along the lines of

Get suited and booted.

Grovel and say how very sorry you are and how foolish you have been.

Claim financial hardship

Explain how you really need your licence as you travel 200 miles every day, have a mortgage, wife and six kids at private school to support.

Employ a really good solicitor.



Now, the point is, is a good, or indeed any solicitor really necessary?

As long as you represent yourself and put forward the above mitigating circumstances, what can a solicitor do that you can't.

You may get fined £200 extra, but you won't have his/her bill to pay.


I appreciate a solicitor could come in handy if you have killed somebody whilst having a race with a mate or drink driving etc.

• No offence intended to PH solicitors, I'm just asking the question.

[tejr]

I took advice from a solicitor, he was confident my summons could be dealt with by letter. £300 odd quid for a letter and it was sent.. I then received a second summons as they completely disregarded the letter saying its highly likely I will be banned so should come to court.

Took the day off, lost a day's wage, got a huge fine, but didn't get a ban.

I reckon the outcome would have been the same* if I had just turned up on my own the first time.

• as 'same' as it can be with random magistrates.

[OldGermanHeaps]

A friend of mine was stopped doing 94 in a 70, he got a locally well renowned motoring solicitor on the case, he tore the officers measurement and calibration check methods apart and he was found not guilty. I'd say it was worth it for him. I'll deffo be using that same guy next time i'm in the st.