Driving without insurance

[MrsVP]

I was pulled over for driving without insurance in August this year (just gone midnight). Short story is, I had no insurance - fine I understand I'll be found guilty. Long story is - my mother had been in intensive care on life support and I was told she would die as she had suffered 4 simultaneous but seperate occurences of bleeding on the brain. She paid my car insurance for me. Whilst she was in intensive care my policy expired and I was not aware it did not automatically renew (again my fault - I should have checked - but I had more important matters on my mind at the time). I've just received a summons for magistrates court. What am I likely to receive and what is the best way to deal with this? I am 25, have 3 points for speeding 3 years ago (35 in a 30 at 02:00), have part qualifies as a driving instructor (although I am no longer pursuing that career) which means I have passed advance theory and practical tests and have never been in trouble before. Will I get a criminal record or points and a fine? I'm hoping to do a Crime Scene Science degree (or possibly a law degree) and move to the states in a few years - will this affect me? Please help, I'm so confused!

[buildersmate]

Plead guilty and state the mitigating circumstances.

[Annlinda]

6 - 8 points fine about �250 - �500
No criminal record. If you feel able to go to court, tell the mags what you have told us and hopefully you will only get 6 points and a lower fine. If you don't want to go to court write a letter explaining everything,apologise and hope for lower points and fine.

[CHOPSUEY]

You'll never get into America with points on your license.

[Annlinda]

Why not chopsuey? I know of many people who have points on their licence and regularly holiday in the USA.
Traffic offence of speeding does NOT show up on criminal record.

[Annlinda]

and also meant to add other traffic offences...

[CHOPSUEY]

Y' don't say...

[tigwig]

been able to go on holiday and not mention on the visa waiver form you have points on your license is entirely different to applying for a visa to live there

[MrsVP]

Tigwig & Chopsuey - am I right in thinking points stay on your licence for 3-4 years? It won't be til after that (if I actually manage) to move to the States so would that still affect my Visa application? Obviously, any criminal record would be there forever - would I get one for this? I'm guessing yes?

[MrsVP]

Thank you all for your answers.

[MrsVP]

Annlinda - does that mean I won't get a record - or do traffic offences not count on visa applications?

[mechanimick]

traffic offences like this will not have any effect on your visa.
i have points and regularly travel to the states and other very strict countries.

[MrsVP]

Travelling there and living there are different Visa's and requirements though aren't they?