In court for no motor tax

Arcady

First time posting here, so please go easy on me.

I have a simple, and maybe stupid question. Last year I got a ticket for having let my motor tax renewal slip. (No need to tell me how dumb that was - I'm well aware.) I renewed the tax immediately I got the ticket ('92 Corolla), but the same distractions that caused the problem in the first place led me to miss just paying the fine, so I ended up with a summons. Doh!

I'm based in England at present, but will be back in Ireland this coming week, when my case comes up. I'm assuming I don't need to go to the expense of getting a solicitor (please correct me if I'm wrong), but I'm wondering what documentation I need to bring to court: current tax disc? What else? And how do judges tend to deal with this class of stupidity?

Thanks in advance.

Tazzle

Just show up, wait your turn, plead guilty, apologise for the mistake, don't make any excuses, say it won't happen again and you'll get your fine (don't forget to pay this one). All over in about 30 seconds and you can head off then.

Atlantic Dawn

Tazzle wrote: »

Just show up, wait your turn, plead guilty, apologise for the mistake, don't make any excuses, say it won't happen again and you'll get your fine (don't forget to pay this one). All over in about 30 seconds and you can head off then.

Exactly, and have the valid tax disc with you. It's not really defendable in court and making excuses will only irritate the judge who will likely then give you a maximum fine.

smash

make sure to tell the judge you don't live in Ireland any more. Not paying a fine will land you with a conviction, he might throw that out because you don't live here.

Arcady

Thanks for the quick responses, guys. Wish me luck!