Did you know you can plead guilty by mail? It’s being proposed as one
way to clear up some of the physical congestion in the lower courts. In an effort
to alleviate an overburden court, the Belize Magistrate’s Court has introduced
new procedures for those charged with certain offences. Those defendants meeting
such criteria may now plead guilty to them by letter.
The letter must be addressed to the Clerk of Court and it must have a return
address. These offences include obstruction of a public crossing or footway;
using threatening words, indecent or insulting words, loitering and disorderly
conduct. It is hoped that with the public’s knowledge of these offences,
the overcrowded situation that clogs the hallways at the Magistrate Courts will
be significantly reduced.
The procedure is that the court will respond and tell the person who made the
plea what their penalty is. Much to the chagrin of criminals you won’t
be able to go to jail by mail.
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