speeding

[billy_been]

i fully accept that i was speeding at 52mph in a 30mph zone. i have recieved my summons. am writing for any advice on whether i should go to court or not as i have the choice to plead guilty by post and what i am likely to recieve. would it be any different with me being there?

[Paul22118]

If you intend to plead guilty, you may do so by letter and unless they propose to disqualify you then no attendance will be necessary.
Unless there are very, very good reasons for mitigation I have found in my experience there is no advantage in producing yourself before the bench. I think become one of the unseen many and get slapped the usual penalty for that court. Unless you are comfortable with court the experience is not pleasant, so save yourself that as well.

[NORMANTHEDOG]

if you go to court,you will almost certainly get a heavier fine with costs as well.

[billy_been]

thanks for the advice. do you know what im looking at? i have seen guidelines that show five points and 125 fine does this sound right?

[New Judge]

Since you have been summonsed (rather than been offered a fixed penalty) and you intend to plead guilty the sentence from the magistrates will be no different whether you attend or not.

If you do not attend make sure that your written guilty plea is made perfectly clear. This will enable the Bench to allow a one third discount off your fine.

Magistrates� Sentencing guidelines for 52 in a 30 limit is a fine of one week�s net pay (reduced by a third for a guilty plea) plus either six points or a disqualification of up to 56 days.

As paul says, if a disqualification is considered the case will be adjourned and you will be given the opportunity to attend.

[New Judge]

Oh, and I forgot, you will be liable for a contribution towards prosecution costs (usually about �45) and a "Victim Surcharge" (�15)