Hi,
I have received a Single Joint Procedure (SJP) notice from West Midlands Police. The two offences are as follows:
1. Fail to give information relating to the ID of the driver/rider of a vehicle when required (Section 172 3). Dated 02/10/2024
2. Exceed a variable speed limit - automatic camera (72mph in a 60mph) Temp restriction. Dated 29/08/2024
The posting date of the SJP is 14/02/2025 and the Charged Date and date the plea must be received by is 12/03/2025.
Background:
I was the driver of the vehicle at the time of the offence.
The original speeding notice (dated 02/09/2024) was received in the post, albeit I didn't open the letter until just a few days before the SJP notice was received. The original notice was found in our daughter's room, unopened. Once opened, I tried to login via the online portal but the login details provided did enable me to provide the details, I suspect because the response date had lapsed. I quickly took some legal advice but a few days later the SJP notice arrived.
In summary, I was the driver, I can't deny the speeding offence and I didn't respond to the request for information within the timeframes due to an administrative error at home! Very frustrating but probably not a suitable defence?
I have a clean driving history and no points on my licence, but like most people, I can't afford the 9 points. Driving is essential for my work and we have 2 children with a 3rd one due imminently.
I have heard/read mixed advice on what to do.
1. Plead guilty to both offences, state the mitigating facts and hope that I get away with 3 points and a fine. 2. Plead NOT guilty to both offences but propose that I am willing to plead guilty to the speeding offence only if the other charge of not supplying info is dropped.
My preference is Option 2 but it does seem quite punchy when I don't feel in a very strong negotiating position! On the other side, I have a good track record and would back myself to put together a strong letter of mitigation etc.
Questions:
a) Am I best to go down route 1, 2, or another strategy?
b) Do those providing advice on here have appropriate qualifications/experience at court etc?
c) Does anyone have any experience with using strategy 2. specifically with West Midlands Police in recent times?
Thank you for any help/guidance received. Thanks,
