I Am Perplexed

[tmac450]

Sorry for not spelling out every little detail there IB (which is why I started with do your own research, each situation is different).

To correct you, I did say the RTA recommended to pay the fine, I didn't say I took the RTA's advice. I took legal advice, advice from 3 friends in the Police force and advice from a Police prossecutor.

Paying the fine amounting to an admission of guilt is an absoloute myth, something the RTA tries to have us all beleive. The way it was explained to me (and as it would appear, my advice was correct), if you don't pay the fine, then the judge can only rule on the offence itself. In other words, you have to either proove you weren't speeding (very hard to do), or proove there was doubt, or there were extenuating circumstances (IB, don't pick me up on all of the possibilities, there's too much to put here). In this situation, the judge has no power to reduce or overturn the fine or suspension, and minimum fines and penlties must be enforced for guilty parties. As far as costs go, while in court I observed two cases where speeding drivers were pleading not guilty to speeding offences and were seeking a hearing. The judge warned both of these drivers that if they were found guilty (in other words, not able to proove they weren't speeding, etc) they would be up for costs and the possibility of increased fines.

If you do pay the fine, you can still opt to have the matter set down for a hearing to fight the charge (an option available to myself as the officer booked me for a higher offence than she informed me of, but I decided to go the option of least risk), or you can front the judge and seek lieniency on the penalty. Put simply, paying the fine gives you and the court more flexibility.

While in court I also observed drivers with appalling, multiple-suspension driving records be granted lienency on licsnce suspensions. For the $73 court cost, I say again, it's an option well worth looking into.

[Iconic Bionic]

Agreed. Often costs is mis-construed, as there is the mandatory court costs for a loss, I thought it was about $80ish and then the costs of the prosecution which can be several thousand. Prosecution costs are what I was a referring to as being rare. The standard court cost aways exists for guilty matters.

I.B.

[Kimberley Scott]

Haveing recently driven to Melbourne, I have to say all those speed cameras, turn people into over anxiouse f*cktards that drive on cruise control only going up and down in 1 km increments and sitting in little packs right up each other bums. Dont get me wrong I love Victoria, but I can get f*cked, its so over policed and sanitized its bloody disgusting and embarrassing.

Scotty

[tab]

Well said Kimbo

No wonder everyone that lives there has gone nuckin futs

[Dillz]

Sep me..

[Iconic Bionic]

Yet.

I.B.