Inquiry: hi i am wondering if it is worth going to the justtice of the peace with a plead guilty with explanation. I was clocked going 91km/hr in a 60km/hr zone and i know i was speeding but i was wondering if they will dismiss my ticket, lower the fee, or keep it the same. Also with this option is it possible they could put it back up to the 31over
Response: Pleading guilty with an explanation is just that: pleading guilty. Taking this option means that you will be convicted of the charge as it was issued and the Justice Of The Peace will be unable to alter the fine. I believe you mentioned in your hearder information that the charge had been reduced down to a speed in the 1 to 15 km/h range over the speed limit. If so, the charge carries 0 demerit points and minimal fine. Pleading guilty with an explanation will not allow the Prosecutor to seek to have your charge ammended back up to the original rate of speed (although that could be done if the matter went to a trial). There may well be a defence to your charge, but to determine if there is one we would have to set the option to a tentative trial date and request disclosure of the Prosecutor’s evidence. If there is not a grounds to have the charge thrown out, it may inevitably become necessary to plead guilty to the rate of speed on the ticket to avoid it being increased to the original rate of speed at trial. If you would like to retain our services to persue this matter further, you may contact our staff via our toll-free number 1-866-801-8299.
Sincerely,
Greg Currie
Office Manager, London