Hi all.
My court date Is next week, it’s been rescheduled 3 times now but I’m confident this one will go ahead. My letter says I may not be able to take someone with me, I live alone currently and family do not Live close so I have not yet got a “household bubble”. I have 3 character references currently - is anyone able to help me with my own personal letter? I’m not very good with words.What it should say etc and how long it should be.
What is considered appropriate to wear to court ie makeup etc.
i appreciate your help in advance.
louise
Hi Louise,
As I’ve said previously to members about attending court, obtaining character references is a good way of having some mitigating evidence to show your character and give light to the fact that what you have done is completely out of the ordinary and nothing that you ever would have done under different circumstances.
I take it that you are representing yourself? If so, your personal letter should give a brief background to the circumstances surrounding the offence and why it took place, the fact that you are remorseful and have considered the impact that it has had on other people’s lives as well as your own and how you plan to change you behaviour to make sure that you don’t find yourself in this situation again in the future. Also, make sure to reference your good behaviour and the fact that this is your first offence (I’m assuming you have a clean license up to this point) as well as the fact that you have character references to support your previous good character. The letter, when read out, should last no more than 6-7 minutes as a rough guide - it should be detailed, but not too detailed so that it will raise questions from the Magistrates later on. It might be worth contacting a solicitor to get some more in depth advice regarding this.
It really pays well to dress smartly when attending court and make sure to look at the Magistrates when you are addressing them - all the small things add up and will give off the impression that you are sincere and genuine.
Most importantly, make sure that you ask to be referred for the Drink Driver Rehabilitation Scheme course as upon completion, this will reduce your disqualification by 25%. You must ask for this during the the hearing as you will not get another opportunity after it has ended.
If you need any help, please feel free to give me a private message.
MM