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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask a question about court for speeding?

27 replies

Sixparentsandcounting · 16/12/2018 21:41

Posting for traffic mainly, so I know I am very unreasonable for that.
I'm going to court with a friend this week, he was caught doing over 100mph on a motorway in an uninsured car. He's an idiot, a dangerous idiot and he knows that, he wasn't in a good place when it happened (no excuse, but believe me I have no interest in defending him).
I just want to know what to expect on his court date? The procedure at the court for example. I'm going with him for moral support and we're both totally clueless as to what to expect.
Thanks in advance

OP posts:
DopeyDazy · 16/12/2018 21:42

tell him to pack a bag hopefully he'll get 6 months full board

Original poster
Sixparentsandcounting · 16/12/2018 22:02

Oh God dopey is that really a possibility? I hadn't realised. I'll make sure he has something.

OP posts:
Arnoldthecat · 16/12/2018 22:03

What can you do? It is what it is.. Has he got previous form? The UK justice system is so weak that he will likely get a ban and a big fat fine. I guess the car was impounded/crushed?

minisoksmakehardwork · 16/12/2018 22:04

Unlimited fine, possibility of 6-8 points or even disqualification. Car likely to be destroyed.

Fatted · 16/12/2018 22:06

If he was traveling that fast and is now going to court, I think he's looking at more than just speeding. More like dangerous driving.

It would be in his interests to hire a solicitor if he's never represented himself before.

RockingAroundTheChristmasTree1 · 16/12/2018 22:08

Hopefully he will get a lovely stay at HMP..He deserves it!!

Nishky · 16/12/2018 22:10

Some of the answers on here. I am guessing none of the posters who have responded so far have any sort of legal qualification- it is easy to google potential penalties, more reliable than mumsnet

babysharkah · 16/12/2018 22:10

Disqualified or Hmp. That's a massive fuck up however you spin it.

Original poster
Sixparentsandcounting · 16/12/2018 22:11

He's definitely only been told about the speeding charge, not dangerous driving. No previous form at all. I'm not complaining or defending him, I just want to be there for him if I can.
What will happen on the day? And he does have a solicitor, yes.

OP posts:
Original poster
Sixparentsandcounting · 16/12/2018 22:12

It's not the penalties I'm interested in, more what will happen when we get to the court and stuff.

OP posts:
FannyAndMoonFace · 16/12/2018 22:12

Definitely don't let him drive to court even if he is now insured, they will give him a ban at the very least and he won't be able to drive his car back home as it starts immediately.

Nishky · 16/12/2018 22:13

If he has a solicitor then you don’t need legal advice from mumsnet especially as its tosh

His solicitor will speak for him in court

AnnDerry · 16/12/2018 22:14

Disqualification is pretty standard for that kind of speed.

Sentencing guideline (excerpt) for speeding is attached. The whole document is available online - look up Magistrates' Court Sentencing Guidelines.

To ask a question about court for speeding?
Nishky · 16/12/2018 22:15

He will have been given a time to attend, but usually everyone is listed at the same time so there may be a wait.

Original poster
Sixparentsandcounting · 16/12/2018 22:16

Sorry, I feel like I've not been clear. He's got his solicitor, yes. So I don't need legal advice. More, what happens, will it be fairly quick or lots of waiting, will I be able to wait nearby, that sort of thing. He isn't driving.

OP posts:
Original poster
Sixparentsandcounting · 16/12/2018 22:17

Although I do appreciate anyone taking the time to answer!

OP posts:
Nishky · 16/12/2018 22:18

You will be able to wait with him and sit at the back of the court if you choose to do so, there could be quite a long wait. Opportunity for refreshments are variable

HopeAndJoy16 · 16/12/2018 22:22

Dh (used to work in a magistrates court) and says the following is likely to happen:
He'll be asked what his plea is (guilty or not guilty). If not guilty then it will likely be adjourned for a trial.
If guilty then he could be dealt with on that day (eg a fine) or could be adjourned depending on how serious the court sees the offence and if they want a pre-sentence report for example.
Dh says that's a very rough guide. If he has a solicitor what have they said? Havent they gone through it with your friend?

WhoKnewBeefStew · 16/12/2018 22:22

Is he pleading guilty? If so the judge won’t even talk to him and just give him his punishment.

They usually go in alphabetical order, so that will give you an idea of how long you’ll be waiting when you find out how many other cases there are that day.

He won’t keep his licence so you’ll have to be on hand to drive him home.

I lost my licence under the totting up, I was first up and out within 10 mins as I pleaded guilty.

Original poster
Sixparentsandcounting · 16/12/2018 22:23

I'm asking more for me so I know what's happening, I'm sure my friend knows much more but he's also super anxious so I don't want to ask too much. I really appreciate that, it gives me a better idea of what may happen. Thanks!

OP posts:
AnnDerry · 16/12/2018 22:23

Is he pleading guilty?
If so, the whole matter should be dealt with at the first hearing.
First the Prosecutor will tell the Magistrates or District Judge about the charges, the facts of the case, whether the defendant has any previous convictions, and the prosecution costs.
Then the Defence lawyer will make a plea in mitigation, to try to keep the sentence as low as possible.
Finally sentence will be passed.

If he pleads not guilty, the matter will be adjourned for trial to a fixed date.

You can be in court throughout, in the public gallery.
It is likely that there will be multiple cases listed, all for the same start time, and there will be a long wait.

AnnDerry · 16/12/2018 22:24

Sorry cross post!

Nishky · 16/12/2018 22:24
  1. It’s not alphabetical
  1. As the table above shows disqualification is not inevitable
Original poster
Sixparentsandcounting · 16/12/2018 22:24

He's pleading guilty (pretty hard not to when there's a speed camera) and we're getting a train, I don't drive.

OP posts:
Evidencebased · 16/12/2018 22:30

You could be first case, you could be last, and be there all day.