Think I'm the first one up. My hearing is at 9am but I will get here in good time to do all of those things you mention. Thanks man. It's really good to speak to someone who's been thereGet there early, grab the duty solicitor - you may want to do a 'dummy rum' and go a few days before to get used to the place and find where the duty solicitor is located.
As you are pleading guilty, it shouldn't be too much of an issue. Just brief the solicitor on the points of your case and that he must ask for the DD course. You don't really need to say much just confirm your details (name, address, DoB) and what you are pleading
Same ? not many of me around! Ooh well, cest la vieSadly my name is unique, and when I type it in google there is only me shown!
Hey sillysausage123,I agree with Stuart, keep it simple from the DD perspective:
- Write a letter of apology - which you will give to the usher, who will then provide to magistrates and prosecutor. Print therefore 4 copies (possibly couple more for just in case-ies). State in that letter that you'd like to take the rehab course, state it would be beneficial for you to learn from.
Key topics to touch on:
- Remorseful
- Good character (state things that you do)
- Will never happen again
- Request rehab course
- I personally don't think you need a lawyer/solicitor (for the DD case anyway - unsure how you'd broach the insurance case)
From my own experience: not much detail was given in the court room from the prosecutor; they could've mentioned much more simply to embarrass me, I had a female passenger in the car, I got stopped when I turned into McDonalds. I had press in my room (I think); My case was boring and he seemed to have left halfway, it was a relatively low reading. However, could be in the press by November who knows; but it's unlikely, as the press in my area only comment on cases where there was an accident.
Edit: They might mention the speeding in court, but you're not being charged for this if it was not on your charge sheet
Hey sillysausage123,
So my day in court is nearly here and I'm absolutely bricking it. I am just putting together my letter of apology. Thank you for all your advice on this. I've found yours to be the most constructive and helpful. I'll post on here how I get on.
Any other mindful tips you can think of will be much appreciated
Oh yes please!!Hi Reco, drop me a PM if you want me to read it through and provide some critique
Postponed for lunch.Hope it went alright @Reco Alco?
Hey, what is ROHA? I'm not aware of it and cant find info on what it stands forYou can request for removal to Google after the ROHA period so I've read, but yeah the online version is the scariest for me. Sorry about that drew.
I've got a unique-ish name so that would be the absolute worst!
It is relating to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act:Hey, what is ROHA? I'm not aware of it and cant find info on what it stands for
Brilliant. Thank you for thatIt is relating to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act:
Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975
Explains the difference between spent and unspent convictions, outlines which convictions must be declared when applying for jobs and any exceptions.www.gov.uk
Thank you to everyone who advised me on this. Glad to say my court appearance is now over with and I am able to move on.
I was handed a 17 month ban, reduced to 13 months on completion of a rehabilitation course.
I was also fined £700
I am still attending AA but chose not to mention this to the magistrates. I've now been 4 weeks sober to the day.
What I'm not sure about is what to do with my license, or how I pay the fine or apply for the rehab course. I wasnt given any written documentation leaving the court and am in limbo.
Any pointers???
Sorry mate... I don't even want to know about criminal conviction.... Have enough pain with my simple case...From my experience, and probably from Reco's they don't really go into depth about what happened that night, mainly that you 'drank so much alcohol that your breath was...'
If that's the case no need for you to bring it up, just apologise and try and get on with life.
It would be interesting to see where DD ranks in terms of criminal convictions...
Similarly, I was really only invited to speak after the charges have been read out and my plea has been given. You'll have the opportunity to speak and it's at that moment you can read your letter of apology.From my experience, and probably from Reco's they don't really go into depth about what happened that night, mainly that you 'drank so much alcohol that your breath was...'
If that's the case no need for you to bring it up, just apologise and try and get on with life.
It would be interesting to see where DD ranks in terms of criminal convictions...