Getting a summons

TOPDAWG

quick one peeps.
just got stopped by cop for taking a wrong turn there.
Long story short im gettin a summons and knwo il be fined.
But does anyone know how much a fine like that is?
And also is it something that goes on my "record?"

I know it all sounds trivial but i never got a summons before and havent a clue what happens with em.
Thanks folks.

Lex Luthor

a summons normally means a court appearance...boy that copper must have had a slow day

breadmonkey

Lex Luthor wrote:

a summons normally means a court appearance...boy that copper must have had a slow day

Werd

monty_mole

Well a summons is a court appearnce.

What happens in court i.e(how big ur fine is, length of time to pay it, and so on)

Depends on ur situation outside.Like how much u earn a week!
if u have kids.
U live at home. and so on.

The more u earn the bigger ur fine and shorter amount of time u got to pay it.

Bassically they wont give u anything harsh,that wud cause u to lose ur license if u got kids who need the car and if u need it to get to work.

Id be suprised if u got more than 50euro fine tbh for taking a wrong turn lol!


I was summonsed once and was in court.
For doing 120mph in 60mph zone with no insurance twice on a motorbike.
I got 350euro fine and an endorsment on my license.

Also u need a solicitor wich ur better off having.
they cost 200euros and up if ur working, or u get free legal aid if ur on the dole .

Also a driving offence isnt a criminal offence so it wudnt be on ur record.

Lex Luthor

I got a summons recently for having a laser detector in my car...€300 fine

johnnyrotten

Stand up and admit it in court. Something trivial like that will probably be about € 50 . Nothing on your record either

LegacyUser

It depends what the charge is. Your "wrong turn" could mean dangerous driving.

jasonb

I got a summons for making a illegal right turn.

Went into court, pleaded Guilty, got a €50 fine and two months to pay it, and that was that.

Unless you plan to plead not guilty, you don't need a solicitor. Make sure you get to the court on time, make sure you are respectful, and it'll be over in a few minutes. you don't get anything on your license or anything like that.

If you have any other court appearences / fines, or if you're charged with more than just 'illegal turn', then obviously the fine could be a lot more.

J.

BeardyGit

As long as it was just a wrong turn, this is what you do:

1. Wear a suit. Ignore any crap about the judge creasing you because you look like you can afford to pay more. Wearing a suit, with an ironed shirt, top buttoned and a tie shows you have respect for him/her and the court. You'll stand out compared to the other wasters slouching on their seats in a dirty pair of air max and a le coq tracksuit.

2. Make sure you are there before the time stated on the summons and speak with the prosecuting Garda beforehand - Make sure *he/she* actually sees your driving license, tax, insurance and NCT (if applicable). The judge will ask if everything was in order with your vehicle etc. By you showing it to the guard on the day of court (while wearing your suit) they'll see you respect them and the law and want to give them everything they need to make it quick and painless for both of you. Remember that the Garda is simply doing their job and in many cases is just as nervous as you are when dealing with a Judge.

3. DO NOT bring a solicitor. Doesn't matter how worried you are - It'll only make things worse if anything. You're guilty, you know it and are rightly prepared to admit it to the court. Tell the court it was a genuine, honest mistake and that you apologise for any trouble this has caused the gardai and court. Solicitors aren't required for this level of legal appearance and if the judge sees you're not even man enough to stand there respectfully and hold your own hand up to your minor offense it'll only work against you. It's not TV either - A solicitor won't fight your corner in a district court - They'll stand there, make your guilty plea for you, charge you €200-300 for a minute or two's work and ultimately provide you with nothing extra as far as the court are concerned. If you've been summoned on a dangerous driving charge - Get a solicitor. For a minor traffic offense - Follow the above advice.

4. Accept whatever punishment is dished out on the day and before leaving, thank the Garda. Doesn't matter wether you think they're wrong to bring it to court or not - It's their job and you never know when you might bump into them in the future. A polite and respectful gesture could stand you well.

5. When you are fined, pay it to the clerk of the court before leaving. If you're given points or an endorsement, take your license and have them added now. If you don't and you're 'done' in the future, you'll be hammered for failing to follow a court order. Also, the period begins on the day your license is edited, not on the day of the court order.

Don't worry about it - If you're a genuine guy the judge will know it and the Garda will try to make it as easy as possible for you to just get it over and done with so you can stop worrying!

Cheerio,

Gil