Whats all that about....

[lowey]

:oops: apologies for accusing you of being smug.

I feel that for some people it is easy to say that the law is on your side etc but the real life world of practicality makes one think twice before pursuing an issue. You have to be really serious in your crusade for justice ( rephrase that into legal war of attrition).

The intimidation of needing to seek justice & restitution from the courts is so overwhelmingly heavy for some in terms of expense and time that accepting the fine and the points is unfortunately the most expedient option. Particularly if you just happen to live in a village, rural community where you more easily stand out in a crowd driving a heavily modified Landie.

For the ordinary citizen without a lot of financial clout, legal representation is but a myth under these circumstances. If it is covered on a legal representation insurance policy, then it is achievable. Sadly some of these types of cases are not covered by such.

The last and hopefully only legal case I have had to endure (not going into details) was charged by my legal representative at 150 UK pounds per hour and took 6 months to resolve.   Thankfully I won.  :D

I would not like to go through that again.

[drmike]

I thought that in this case it would be just pitch up at a magistrates court and put your case before the magistrates. I don't think you'd need or really want legal representation in that case just put your case:

They said my handbarke was faulty because two cops could move it a bit
MOT passed with no changes made
Explain about transmission brakes

If you're lucky the magistrates understand this and you get off. In fact I'd have thought you could write to the cops and explain and they'd let you off. I had a wonderful excahnge of letters with the local speed camera bods who were actually very helpful and nice about my wriggling. Needless to say I got nowhere.

All that said I'm not sure I'd gamble the time but as things stand on 6 points I probably would!

Mike

[lowey]

Still think courts are intimidating places and without proper legal representation it is possibe to dig a hole for yourself from which it is impossible to climb out. That is why some folks shy away from that process.

[drmike]

You're probably right but I know people who will go along in their suit and talk sensibly to magistrates or judges and get results. I have known magistrates and while some are odd others seem to have a good supply of common sense.

Having legal representation for some things can work against you and some solicitors would say if you can manage alone it can make a good result more likely as you come across as 'the man in the street' who is being dealt with harshly.

I probably depends who you are and how well you can express yourself (and any previous experiences you've had in court rooms!).

Mike

[EvilEd]

Brand new Disco last year, left the dealers, check was about 600 yards from the dealer, failed the test. taken back to the dealer, okay, back to the police, failed again.

Made the papers! Police appologised and let them off.... but what about all that got caught :?:

Fact is, you can't get the police to do anything for you, but drive a car and you're a criminal. Try having a "Hot Hatch" as a second car..... they follow you for ages waiting for you to do the slightest thing to give you a tug. Fact is that they are after statistics now, not to protect the public.

Nuff Said.

[Andy the Landy]

lowey - no need to apologise  Is there any chance your pal could use legal aid, SWMBO and me have used it in the past to get results for a motoring matter and a civil matter (albeit no hefty coppers were involved) and won both times :D  as we dont have the finacial clout to take on the authorities privately. Citizens advice bureau are very good and also some local solicitors have a free one hour advice session, well worth it if it gets a result in  your favour :D