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In Court Tomorrow


chasdrury
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Hi guys

In court tomorrow for totting up too many points - nothing too serious, but nonetheless illegal - 34 in a 30 and parked on zig zag line while unloading 10 new PC's into a new business etc....

Anyway, I am not asking about bans etc etc... I want to know what to expect in court - ie what happens and who is there, I have never been to court before... its magistrates if that makes any difference!

Cheers

Charles

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[ QUOTE ]

what happens

[/ QUOTE ]

They'll lock you up with a big transvestite and throw away the key!! grin.gif

Sorry, I couldn't resist that! I have no idea what you should expect, I've never been to court either!

Do you have a solicitor, or are you there on your own? If you have a solicitor, they will do all the talking on your behalf.

Hope it goes okay for you, and I hope you get to keep your license. Good luck. 169144-ok.gif

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I went to court about 15 years ago, for far more serious speeding offences than yours. Totted up 4 offences, the last one being at 92 in a 70 and speeds of upto 125 mph, but they didnt prosecute me on that.

Anyway, long and short of it, I got a letter from my boss telling the court if I lost my license, then my job would go to. They dont want to put people on the scrap heap for speeding, only DUI. So be patient, apologise, tell them you will change your attitude or even a slower car (thats what I said) Show them the letter and show remorse.

I got £125 fine and "not banned due to hardship" written on my license.

Craig

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ouch well it will depend on how they caught you , if its a speed camera and a seperate 'park on zig zags' you will eb abel to argue that you know you were in the wrong but did not realise this ment ' no loading ' as you did not park the vehicle, ive been to court for speeding - they will read out your case , ask you for your name and address, read though the statment you have made , ask you to plead 'guilty ' and then you wait for the result ! it will prob take you aprox 20 mins thats all... oh and of course dont drive there or the worst will happen frown.gif

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Tell the truth completely and you dshould be ok,I already had 6 points and had to go to court for speeding at 94mph and I told the truth ie I never said dont ban me Ill lose my job etc,or made up any stories,and I got 5 points and no ban instead of 6 points and a bam,so telling the truth worked for me.

good luck.

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Tell them what you have to, not necessarily the whole truth!

Its there job to prosecute you, not your to tell them how and give them an easy time.

Magistrates are lay (and lazy)people, they have no legal skill other than being time served on the bench. The Magistrates clerk is the danger, they will direct the magistrate on fine and sentencing options after hearing your story and police statements.

Mitigation is a big one, get a letter from your employer saying you will lose your job (if you lose your licence) will help big time (even if it's a little white lie).

Offering to pay a large fine, can save some ban time.

If you can show mitigating circumstance showing that the ban will mean further punishment (loss of job, loss of promotion, working for stores and being on a lower rate) that will help.

Unfortunately the zig zags has no excuse and they will mention parking legally and using a trolley, should you argue load size or bulk frown.gif.

Good luck, I've been 5 or 6 times 169144-ok.gif

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It's varies on magistrate. He may be favourable, he may not. What time of the day is your case? I used to find Magistrates would be less harsh late on in the afternoon (I studied law, and attended court a bit), as I guess they were fed up by then of dealing with chavs, and were happy to see a decent person who was just there cos of driving.

Your best bet is to look as clean as possible, both in terms of dress and grooming. If you have a brief, then he'll probably be doing most of the talking, but if you are asked questions, then be as polite as you can. You'll be suprised the difference it can make. It is all, of course, dependant on the mag you get though..

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