Did something so stupid

deborahlogan, Is the throwing away of letters unopened, a sign that you have wider debt problems? If so visit the Citizen's Advice Bureau (CAB) and they will be able to direct you to debt councilling organisations who will, without cost, help you to sort out all your problems, including this one.

In the meanwhile get down to the police station asap. The sooner you do it the sooner the problem is out of the way.

I thought the same as Christinefrance , just go to the Police station and explain your situation . You will possibly have a bigger fine than previously but I think you can arrange to pay it off weekly if you can`t afford it all at once . I wouldn`t bother with a solicitor either , just more expense ! You haven't murdered anyone , go tomorrow

Sounds like life is a little stressful for you at present, not the end of the world but you need to face the music and then move on.
Keep things in perspective and don't hide your head in the sand regarding mail.
Hope things go ok for you.

Oh Dear
I guess as others have said on here you will have to face the music. I wouldn't go for a Solicitor right away, see what the Police have to say, admit you are wrong, apologise profusely, perhaps say you were not well and couldn't cope with reading letters at the time, I don't know, am clutching at straws here.
You have been neglectful really, but you are not exactly Lizzie Borden so I hope it gets sorted out, and next time try to be more on the ball lol

Yes, you do pay on the speed awareness course. I did it last month and it cost me £92.50.

If you are going to admit to your offence and face the music I don't see any point in employing a solicitor.
However, if you're nervous about it, you could always go to one who provides a free first interview and ask advice.

www.nationaldebtline.org/EW/factsheets/Pages/magistratescourtfines/magistratescourtdebt.asp
You need to do something about this as a matter of urgency.

If you were due in court the magistrates will probably have passed judgement in your absence. The time for explaining yourself is over. so no point spending on a lawyer unless you plan to appeal. The police will tell you what the judgement was but have no power to change it.

Sorry, I do sound very bossy; DH was very annoyed recently because he parked in the car park to go to the bank and overstayed the free time by a few minutes because the bank clerk took so long; he had a fine for £30. The air was a bit blue to say the least but it was £60 if he didn't pay within a certain time limit.

If you were caught speeding then you could have gone on the speed awareness course but I think you have to pay for that.

It's no good hiding your head in the sand; you knew you had a fine which would probably have been £30 if paid promptly, one of the letters probably told you it was now £60 as you didn't pay promptly and now will cost a lot more unfortunately, especially if you do need a lawyer.

Yes, just do as Rinouchka says and face the music.

Talk to a lawyer and ideally present yourself with the lawyer. Throwing letters away without opening them, knowing you committed a driving offence will be seen as a deliberate act. It's possible an experienced criminal lawyer will be able to,out the least wordy case

Go to the police station, explain your situation and face the music. Immediately. If all genuine, they might be lenient.

Do you normally throw letters away without opening them? Seems a very odd thing to do...

I'm afraid you'll just have to bite the bullet and go to the Police station.