Is a Fixed Penalty Notice a Criminal Conviction?
In the world of law, it can sometimes be confusing to understand various legal terms and whether or not something is considered a criminal conviction. Although it can be difficult to understand, it's important to know about your rights and obligations.
A common area of misconception often revolves around fixed penalty notices and whether or not they constitute a criminal conviction. To find out what a fixed penalty is and whether it's a criminal conviction, continue reading.
What is a Fixed Penalty Notice?
A fixed penalty notice (FPN) is given by authorities when they need to address minor offences without the need for a formal prosecution. These offences could include speeding offences and minor parking offences.
Some motoring offences, including parking in the wrong place or breaking traffic rules, can result in being given a penalty charge notice.
Penalty charge notices must be taken seriously, and if you pay your fixed penalty ticket, all liability for the offence made will be discharged, and you can rest assured that the offence won't form any part of your criminal record.
As well as driving offences, individuals can also face being given a fixed penalty notice for other infractions, such as causing unnecessary noise or shouting abuse, leaving litter, committing forms of anti-social behaviour, or vandalising a public place and other low-level criminal offences such as being drunk and disorderly, to name a few.
The purpose behind fixed penalty notices is to offer an efficient way of dealing with low-level offences while reducing the burden on the courts and allowing law enforcement to focus on more serious crimes.
Understanding Criminal Convictions
Essentially, a criminal conviction occurs when an individual is found guilty of committing a criminal offence by a court of law. The conviction is recorded on the individual's criminal record and often comes with many serious consequences. From fines to imprisonment, the punishment for your conviction depends on the severity of the crime that's been committed.
Regarding fixed penalty notices, the crucial distinction depends on what type of offence was committed and how the individual handles it. Fixed penalty notices are usually given for minor offences and can be dealt with successfully by paying the fine that's been issued to you; they don't result in a formal finding of guilt by the magistrate's court.
The process of resolving a fixed penalty notice is relatively streamlined and allows you to deal with your matter quickly without any legal complications. If you think that you've been wrongly issued a fixed penalty notice, you'll have to contest it in court.
Do Fixed Penalty Notices Go on Record?
One of the main concerns for people who have been issued a fixed penalty notice is whether or not it'll have a lasting impact on their criminal record. It can cause much stress and upset to be issued a fixed penalty notice, especially if this is your first time being given one.
In the UK, paying a fixed penalty notice won't affect your criminal record. However, if the offence committed results in being given penalty points, they'll remain on your driving record for five years.
Fixed penalty notices are not classified as criminal convictions, so there's no need to worry if you're concerned about your criminal record. Notices can be recorded on the Police National Computer (PCN), but this also won't affect your criminal record.
Do You Require Legal Assistance?
If you've recently been issued a fixed penalty notice and believe it was wrongly given to you, it's possible to challenge it. Here at Bell Lamb & Joynson, we've been working with people across the UK who require legal expertise when it comes to motor and road traffic law.
We understand that dealing with your driving offence can be difficult, but we're here to help. We deal with a wide range of offences, including speeding offences, driving while disqualified, drunk driving, drug driving, dangerous driving, inconsiderate driving, driving without a licence, insurance, or MOT, death by dangerous driving, and an array of other serious road traffic offences.
We understand how important it is to keep hold of your driving licence; not only does a driving licence give you much freedom, but it might be required for work purposes, too. A driving ban has the potential to have a huge impact on both your work and your personal life.
Our dedicated and hard-working team of professionals has a wealth of experience dealing with a plethora of different clients, all of whom have been faced with legal issues regarding their actions in their motor vehicles.
We can go through the details of your offence, whether it's a wrongly issued fixed penalty notice or a serious criminal offence. If your main concern is that you've recently received a punishment from the authorities, such as a fixed penalty notice, you'll be glad to know that our legal team can assist you.
Our trusted driving offence solicitors offer expert knowledge and remain on hand at all times to support, guide, and assist you. Bell Lamb & Joynson have been operating for over 200 years, having first opened our doors in 1821. Our ambition and dedication to the industry don't go unnoticed.
We've worked alongside clients who come from all walks of life, and the services that we provide are second to none. Dealing with a variety of legal matters, we've had many successful cases and continue to strive for the best results.
Despite our longevity, we use some of the best technology and case management systems available. Our services are both efficient and cost-effective. No matter your issue, you can trust Bell Lamb & Joynson today. If you'd like to find out more about our motor and road traffic law services, please don't hesitate to get in touch soon.