Whats the punishment?

[spaceman]

The wait is over and this morning, I have received a summons to court for 96mph in a 70 on a dual carriage way, good conditions medium traffic. I currently have a clean licence but not for much longer.

What is the likely punishment and is this likely to change if I plead guilty by post as opposed to turning up at court and pleading guilty?

Your opinions would be greatly appreciated

Cheers

Space

[madcop]

I would think you are on the border of FPT offer and having a summons drop through the letter box.
If you are lucky and it is FPT, you will be subject of £60 and 3 points. If you are summonsed, then you could receive up to 6 points and £1000 depending on your means and the circumstances.

[bobthebench]

Sounds a shade unlucky not to get fixed penalty, though some forces stop at 95. Suggests local circumstances not favourable, e.g. previous points, flash car, upset the cop, etc. or alternatively a bad accident spot, heavy traffic, wet weather, or although dual carriageway, not actually a 70 for that road or your type of vehicle, e.g. van.

If plead by letter, usually 4 pp to reflect your inability to be arsed coming to court, and a fine based on income, likely £120 - £200. If you appear you can reduce both of these to say 3pp and £120 if suitably remorseful. Only you know if it's worth it though.

In practice I always suggest people attend in person, at least that way you hear the CPS case and can reply to any dirty tricks or exaggerations used.

[sp60]

bobthebench, that's an interesting reply.
Would the same apply whatever the speed if you get a
summons? I have recently got the paperwork for a 102.8
on a motorway. I was intending on simply pleading guilty by post for the first date and expecting to get
another date where I would have to appear. I appreciate this is different to the case described here, being that mine is over 100mph, but I have been banned previously so anything I could do to better my chances this time is worth knowing about.

many thanks.

[mondeoman]

Expect to be hung, drawn and quartered and held up as an example of a child-murdering physcho with no thought but for the wish to experience the devil-spawned desire for speed-induced thrills.

Either that or points n a hefty fine

[spaceman]

Thanks for the feedback. Its good food for thought for filling out the forms.

Cheers

Space

[bobthebench]

sp60 said: bobthebench, that's an interesting reply.
Would the same apply whatever the speed if you get a
summons? I appreciate this is different to the case described here, being that mine is over 100mph, but I have been banned previously so anything I could do to better my chances this time is worth knowing about.
many thanks.

If you plead guilty by letter, High court guidance is insist on a personal appearance to allow the accused to grovel for his licence aka plead special reasons or mitigating circumstances, but only guidance. We can and do deal with cases on the spot.

If you expect a day in court anyway, why not get it over and done with the first time the case is up, you do usually get some credit for that.

Much depends on local bench and their attitude. Used to be the case 100 = ban, only question how long. This is now so common that ban is no longer certain, but you can only argue your case if you're there. Previous ban is omenous, but in most circs you should still be able to come up with a case for not banning for a single offence of speeding at around the 100, as long as no other current points.