EphOph wrote:Update:
I went in for my trial and the JP was absent. I was offered a reduction to 119, which I refused, and then I was called into the courtroom and given a new date in August.
Are they allowed to do this? I'm guessing that the "adjournments" are sent to a JP afterwards to actually be adjourned, but just wanted to make sure.
If they issued a new court date, you will go to trial. An adjournment is a suspension of the court proceedings. It is not a dismissal. If the "JP" was absent due to illness or unforeseeable circumstances, it does not warrant a motion for dismissal. You can hope your insurance renews between now and then, to which you will not discuss your pending infraction as you are still considered innocent. That will delay an increase in insurance rates until the following renewal.
It is nearly impossible to win a speeding ticket that is 30+ over the limit because you're clearly, blatantly speeding. Getting charged (or amended) for 19kph over is considered a minor infraction with 3-demerit points. Having rejected that, they're almost certain to find you guilty for 34 over and hit you with 4-demerit points. It is considered a major infraction and you could see an increase in insurance rates of 25% per year for a conviction of a major infraction.
When you go to trial, you should have legal representation. Whenever you reject a charge that has been reduced at the time of the traffic stop, or amended in court, they usually seek the original penalty. Once you plead not guilty, unless you can prove you're innocent, you are subject to the full charge. At this stage, I feel your best course of action is to have a lawyer explain to the prosecutor you were confused by the amended charge when you refused it. If you're lucky, they will give you 119 over with 3-demerit points. Asking for less is highly unlikely to happen. Hope it works out for the best.