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Hi.
I received a speeding fine fromDevon and Cornwall police in April. I asked for a photo as I was not sure if it was my husband or myself driving. The photographs did not show the driver so I returned the original notification and wrote on that it was either myself of my husband driving but we didn't know who as we were on holiday and had stopped at various places and swapped drivers during the day. A few weeks later I received a letter saying no more photos were available and I needed to supply driver details. I wrote back again and said we were not 100% sure but that, as the registered owner of the car, I would name myself. I asked for a copy of the notice to complete as I had sent the original one back. A couple of days later I received another letter saying my case was being passed to the courts - I didn't reply as I thought our letters had crossed in the post. I've spoken to the police today and they say that they did not receive my letter explaining I wasn't sure but would name myself as the driver. I have a copy of the letter but , stupidly, I did not send it registered post so have no proof I sent it. I realise that this does not help me at all!
I have now received a single justice notice and have been charged with both speeding and failure to identify the driver. I have phoned the police and they say that this is out of their hands now. I then phoned the number on the single justice procedure notice and spoke to someone at the court. They said if I plead guilty to both and explain the mitigating circumstances the magistrate may accept the speeding fine and dismiss the s172 charge - but there is no guarantee.
If I plead guilty to both charges will I automatically get the maximum fine and points for both offences? This would bring me up to 12 points on my licence and I could then loose it. If I did plead guilty to both charges could the 172 be dismissed or - because I'd have pleaded guilty, would I automatically be found guilty, whatever the mitigating circumstances. If possible, I'd really like to avoid a trail.
I'd be really grateful for any advice.
I received a speeding fine fromDevon and Cornwall police in April. I asked for a photo as I was not sure if it was my husband or myself driving. The photographs did not show the driver so I returned the original notification and wrote on that it was either myself of my husband driving but we didn't know who as we were on holiday and had stopped at various places and swapped drivers during the day. A few weeks later I received a letter saying no more photos were available and I needed to supply driver details. I wrote back again and said we were not 100% sure but that, as the registered owner of the car, I would name myself. I asked for a copy of the notice to complete as I had sent the original one back. A couple of days later I received another letter saying my case was being passed to the courts - I didn't reply as I thought our letters had crossed in the post. I've spoken to the police today and they say that they did not receive my letter explaining I wasn't sure but would name myself as the driver. I have a copy of the letter but , stupidly, I did not send it registered post so have no proof I sent it. I realise that this does not help me at all!
I have now received a single justice notice and have been charged with both speeding and failure to identify the driver. I have phoned the police and they say that this is out of their hands now. I then phoned the number on the single justice procedure notice and spoke to someone at the court. They said if I plead guilty to both and explain the mitigating circumstances the magistrate may accept the speeding fine and dismiss the s172 charge - but there is no guarantee.
If I plead guilty to both charges will I automatically get the maximum fine and points for both offences? This would bring me up to 12 points on my licence and I could then loose it. If I did plead guilty to both charges could the 172 be dismissed or - because I'd have pleaded guilty, would I automatically be found guilty, whatever the mitigating circumstances. If possible, I'd really like to avoid a trail.
I'd be really grateful for any advice.
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