Q Do I need to get myself a laywer?

‘They won’t take this course if a ban is on the cards’

I was recorded at 52mph in a 30-limit last summer. I got the Notice of Intent to Prosecute on August 16 and sent it back at once. I thought I was in line for six points and a hefty fine but heard nothing until January 24 when I received a letter saying the evidence was being forwarded to the magistrates court and that I would receive a Single Justice Procedure Notice from them. I have a clean licence. What sanction can I expect from the court, will I have to attend and do I need a solicitor to be there?

BL, email

AAn SJP is a special type of court proceeding. About 50% of magistrates courts have closed in recent years and this procedure may be a further cost-saving exercise by the government. These cases are dealt with by one magistrate (the single justice) outside of a courtroom (often elsewhere inside the court building), it is a paper-only hearing, it is in private (so no journalists, lawyers or witnesses and so on). Finally, the magistrate does not give a specific time or date when the case will be considered. The courts are obviously going down this route as you pleaded guilty. You can expect points and a fine in addition to some court costs and a “victim” surcharge. Make sure you return the statement of means so they can work out your fine.

SJPs are not used when someone pleads not guilty, disqualification is planned or a court hearing is required.