Repeated misuse of a freedom pass

[12lolna]

Ashamed to admit this and want to face the consequences and if at all possible, rescue the outcome with any advice.

Misused a relatives freedom pass for daily work commute and been caught by TFL twice over 8 months.

First time - conduct on the scene was terrible, gave false dob and address, don't remember the fully now. No idea what happened to the outcome of this

second instance - Gave details of my correspondence and wrong dob. Never full appreciated aware of the severity or consequences. My aim is to avoid prison time and if possible avoid criminal prosecution.

Responded to the second letter to correct my details and acknowledge my shortcomings and request to pay back and avoid prosecution. But this was too late from the initial 10 day time limit they offer on the verification letter. Going a bit mad thinking

 

[WesternLancer]

Ashamed to admit this and want to face the consequences and if at all possible, rescue the outcome with any advice.

Misused a relatives freedom pass for daily work commute and been caught by TFL twice over 8 months.

First time - conduct on the scene was terrible, gave false dob and address, don't remember the fully now. No idea what happened to the outcome of this

second instance - Gave details of my correspondence and wrong dob. Never full appreciated aware of the severity or consequences. My aim is to avoid prison time and if possible avoid criminal prosecution.

Responded to the second letter to correct my details and acknowledge my shortcomings and request to pay back and avoid prosecution. But this was too late from the initial 10 day time limit they offer on the verification letter. Going a bit mad thinking

welcome

Whilst you won't be going to prison for this (the sentencing guidelines don't really allow for it for the offence concerned) - you probably need to prepare yourself for a strong probability of being prosecuted in court and the consequences of that.

There are other TfL freedom pass misuse cases on here you can look over but this might be a helpful one as it was updated during the process as things developed.

https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/freedom-pass-misuse-requisition-to-attend-court.297308/page-2

People here will advise you on any questions you might have, what to expect and how to get the least worst outcome.

We do see cases of TfL not prosecuting when there are mitigating circumstances in line with those accepted by their revenue protection policy. The chances of that outcome seem to be increased when they are advanced by a solicitor specialising in rail fare evasion of which there are a few that get mentioned here, for which you would have to pay the solicitors costs if you wanted to engage one.

 

[12lolna]

welcome

Whilst you won't be going to prison for this (the sentencing guidelines don't really allow for it for the offence concerned) - you probably need to prepare yourself for a strong probability of being prosecuted in court and the consequences of that.

There are other TfL freedom pass misuse cases on here you can look over but this might be a helpful one as it was updated during the process as things developed.

https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/freedom-pass-misuse-requisition-to-attend-court.297308/page-2

People here will advise you on any questions you might have, what to expect and how to get the least worst outcome.

We do see cases of TfL not prosecuting when there are mitigating circumstances in line with those accepted by their revenue protection policy. The chances of that outcome seem to be increased when they are advanced by a solicitor specialising in rail fare evasion of which there are a few that get mentioned here, for which you would have to pay the solicitors costs if you wanted to engage one.

Thank you for responding to this. I’m feeling a little better about no prison. I really went into rabbit holes. Though I’m still worried. since I sent a response to the second offence verification letter (not within the 10days). I’m concerned they will link all the journeys together. the first offence has probably gone through prosecution and I have no idea how to find out its status is. I’m seriously worried about being a Repeat offender and really getting smacked with what the law might allow tfl to do.


essentially, should I lawyer up ? I’m really worried about being in court without having a someone who can help. I’m financially in an okay place now and want to know if this would be best handled through a solicitor. I’ve never done this before so, I have no idea what is best course of action. Also really don’t know what the costs might be so any estimates might really help me figure this out

thank you again for being receptive. ive Been reading these forums and you are all doing gods work for silly people like me.

 

[Acathater]

Was it the same pass each time? Or was it taken off you at the first stop? Did the owner not get any contact after the first stop?

 

[12lolna]

Was it the same pass each time? Or was it taken off you at the first stop? Did the owner not get any contact after the first stop?

Different pass from the same owner. they didn’t get any contact after the first stop. It was taken off me Then. And the owner ordered a new one which was used the second time And confescated. I know this is aggrecious conduct. I really was being naive and trying to save money

 

[6Gman]

Thank you for responding to this. I’m feeling a little better about no prison. I really went into rabbit holes. Though I’m still worried. since I sent a response to the second offence verification letter (not within the 10days). I’m concerned they will link all the journeys together. the first offence has probably gone through prosecution and I have no idea how to find out its status is. I’m seriously worried about being a Repeat offender and really getting smacked with what the law might allow tfl to do.


essentially, should I lawyer up ? I’m really worried about being in court without having a someone who can help. I’m financially in an okay place now and want to know if this would be best handled through a solicitor. I’ve never done this before so, I have no idea what is best course of action. Also really don’t know what the costs might be so any estimates might really help me figure this out

thank you again for being receptive. ive Been reading these forums and you are all doing gods work for silly people like me.

There are specialist solicitors who seem to have achieved some success and who would certainly provide support and guidance.
Others will be able to post details.

But - they will cost you several hundred pounds and the final outcome (in terms of prosecution and conviction) will likely be unchanged.

 

[WesternLancer]

You could get quotes from solicitors who have a track record in this area. You might be looking at £750+ for basic assistance.

If you gave false details on the first time any prosecution would presumably have been of a non existent person.
But perhaps the person who is letting you use their card is a common link between you and both cards. If they were to bother to investigate in detail and join the dots of course.
The main outcome if they did would probably be more money they would claim for evaded fares. Probably doesn’t make much difference to the punishment which is a court fine.
I think that’s outlined in the thread I linked. The court fine formula. If not then we can probably find it on another thread.

Decisions on whether to spend money on lawyers probably need to be weighed up in terms of cost of that vs impact on your future career of a criminal record for this type of offence which may well depend on type of work you do or would like to do.

 

[Haywain]

Ashamed to admit this and want to face the consequences and if at all possible, rescue the outcome with any advice.

TfL are not stupid and will, in my opinion, link the two events. This will not give them evidence of anything but it will give them suspicion and for that reason a warning will be much harder to achieve than usual. In any case, a warning depends on having some mitigation for your behaviour. You can find out more about that in TfL's published prosecution policy. You, in the form of the name and address you gave first time round, have almost certainly been prosecuted once already and I believe that you should prepare for that to be happening again. You will probably have to appear at court in person because TfL will ask for other uses of that pass to be offences "taken into consideration", so that they can get a few quid extra back from you.

 

[12lolna]

TfL are not stupid and will, in my opinion, link the two events. This will not give them evidence of anything but it will give them suspicion and for that reason a warning will be much harder to achieve than usual. In any case, a warning depends on having some mitigation for your behaviour. You can find out more about that in TfL's published prosecution policy. You, in the form of the name and address you gave first time round, have almost certainly been prosecuted once already and I believe that you should prepare for that to be happening again. You will probably have to appear at court in person because TfL will ask for other uses of that pass to be offences "taken into consideration", so that they can get a few quid extra back from you.

yeah, coming to terms with this being the most likely outcome. Don't think I have any really solid mitigating circumstances. Just economic hardship and being an informal carer to my parents. I just am trying to weigh up how bad the courts will look. I suppose at the end, My aim is to be out of prison, Pay the fines, and if at all possible try not to have a criminal record that really get me.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Sep 2026 ==

You could get quotes from solicitors who have a track record in this area. You might be looking at £750+ for basic assistance.

If you gave false details on the first time any prosecution would presumably have been of a non existent person.
But perhaps the person who is letting you use their card is a common link between you and both cards. If they were to bother to investigate in detail and join the dots of course.
The main outcome if they did would probably be more money they would claim for evaded fares. Probably doesn’t make much difference to the punishment which is a court fine.
I think that’s outlined in the thread I linked. The court fine formula. If not then we can probably find it on another thread.

Decisions on whether to spend money on lawyers probably need to be weighed up in terms of cost of that vs impact on your future career of a criminal record for this type of offence which may well depend on type of work you do or would like to do.

I see, okay maybe I'm not finacally in a good place with to work with solicitors. I think future career wise this would not be the end of it. I'm not in a regulated profession, and maybe in 10 years time would like to teach which could be an issue

 

[Fawkes Cat]

maybe in 10 years time would like to teach which could be an issue

What we have seen is that teaching is generally not too concerned about fare dodging. And if becoming a teacher is a long term plan, then keeping your nose clean between now and then will make it much easier to explain to a training institution and school that you have learnt your lesson and haven't done it again.

 

[12lolna]

Thank you all for answering my queries. I think. having responded to the second offense, I not just have to wait to see what they will do. I suppose my questions are:

if its a courts summons, does anyone know the timeline from being asked to verify my events to going to court? - wondering if I do want legal representation, it might be better to contact earlier rather than later and if they can help improve my situation.

if its a court appearance, How should I conduct myself given my situation and the false details given in the first incident and then partially false in the second incidence. This is where I am really in the red.

Any other things anyone thinks I have missed ?

Again, thank you ! I am feeling pretty fragile writing these and want to show my appreciation to you all.

 

[Haywain]

My aim is to be out of prison,

It is pretty much a certainty that you won't be going to prison for this. A prosecution would be under the TfL byelaws and will result in a fine, plus TfL's costs and compensation, with the fine being based on your earnings.

Pay the fines, and if at all possible try not to have a criminal record that really get me.

You won't avoid a criminal record but it's a pretty trivial matter and will be spent immediately. It would only be a problem on an enhanced DBS check and even then only if it is considered relevant, which I would doubt it would be for teaching.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Sep 2026 ==

if its a court appearance, How should I conduct myself given my situation

It's a magistrates court and you'll be fine without representation. There is no point in spending hundreds of pounds when you are quite capable of pleading guilty by yourself.

 

[12lolna]

What we have seen is that teaching is generally not too concerned about fare dodging. And if becoming a teacher is a long term plan, then keeping your nose clean between now and then will make it much easier to explain to a training institution and school that you have learnt your lesson and haven't done it again.

this makes me feel a lot better! defenitely learning this is not worth doing ever again

 

[WesternLancer]

EDIT - I see others have posted some v useful info whilst I was composing this so have edited it a bit

yeah, coming to terms with this being the most likely outcome. Don't think I have any really solid mitigating circumstances. Just economic hardship and being an informal carer to my parents. I just am trying to weigh up how bad the courts will look.

I suppose at the end, My aim is to be out of prison,

Prison isn't probable

Pay the fines,

The punishment for this is a fine - the formula for that is this - helpfully published by a well informed court expert on another thread a while back : click to expand:

The Magistrates Courts will typically deal with an offender convicted under byelaw 18 by way of a "band A fine".
The amount of a "band A fine" is:

• 50% of one week's wages, with a maximum fine of £1,000, if the offender has a job and has declared their income on the court paperwork;
• £60, if the offender is a student, or on benefits; or
• £220, if the offender has not engaged with the court case or provided the necessary information.

The fine would then be adjusted downwards if the offender had pleaded guilty, with a reduction of one-third for a plea at the first opportunity, tapering down to one-tenth for a plea at the start of a trial.

There are also three more amounts to pay:

• A victim surcharge, which is 40% of the fine
• Compensation for the unpaid fare
• The prosecution costs

The amount being claiming for the latter two items should be on your SJP paperwork, but the costs may increase if there has to be a hearing in court.

I say "typically" above for two reasons:

1. There is no entry in the sentencing guidelines for Railway Byelaw offences. This is unfortunate, as they occur very frequently indeed. The court will usually use the section 5 (1) Regulation of Railways Act guideline instead.
2. The court is not rigidly bound to follow sentencing guidelines, and it can raise or lower the punishment due to the specific facts of any individual case.

A fines calculator is at https://sentencingcouncil.org.uk/fine-calculator/

and if at all possible try not to have a criminal record that really get me.

If it goes to court and you plead guilty or are found guilty (as I don't think there is much question that you were) then you would have a criminal record (because that is literally a record of the sentences passed by the court AIUI)
But more significant in practical terms is this:
You have to declare that record when asked about it for a period of time until it is 'spent' - for this I think it's 1 or 2 years

see this charity website which helps people with records for more info and might help you get a sense of it and the rules that apply about when you can be asked etc

Unlock

For people with criminal records.

unlock.org.uk

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Sep 2026 ==


I see, okay maybe I'm not finacally in a good place with to work with solicitors. I think future career wise this would not be the end of it. I'm not in a regulated profession, and maybe in 10 years time would like to teach which could be an issue

Would depend on whether if in that time frame you were required to even declare it on applications for teaching jobs / training - you'd need to check as it can vary from profession to profession I expect.

ref solicitors - you could at least ring them for quotes if you wanted to - firms we see mentioned on here (I have no connection nor have ever used any of them) are:

Manak Solicitors

Fare Evasion Solicitors | Kent & London | Manak Solicitors

manaksolicitors.co.uk

Makwanas

Fare Evasion Solicitors London | High Success Rate | TFL Solicitors

www.makwanas.co.uk

http://www.grayhooperholt.co.uk/default.asp?id=30

https://penmansedgwick.com/fare-evasion/

 

[Haywain]

There is no entry in the sentencing guidelines for Railway Byelaw offences. This is unfortunate, as they occur very frequently indeed.

Overall, I doubt that is the case. We see lots of them here for very specific reasons, and while Lavender Hill Magistrates Court will see a lot, because that's where TfL cases go, I would imagine they are very rare at other courts in London.

 

[12lolna]

It is pretty much a certainty that you won't be going to prison for this. A prosecution would be under the TfL byelaws and will result in a fine, plus TfL's costs and compensation, with the fine being based on your earnings.

You won't avoid a criminal record but it's a pretty trivial matter and will be spent immediately. It would only be a problem on an enhanced DBS check and even then only if it is considered relevant, which I would doubt it would be for teaching.

okay, this is good, I wasn't sure how much they can or would want to really go after me. I was expecting a fine based on income and all the additional costs. thanks for confirming.
this makes me feel a lot better about criminal records (terrible still but all things considered)

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Sep 2026 ==

EDIT - I see others have posted some v useful info whilst I was composing this so have edited it a bit




Prison isn't probable

The punishment for this is a fine - the formula for that is this - helpfully published by a well informed court expert on another thread a while back :

The Magistrates Courts will typically deal with an offender convicted under byelaw 18 by way of a "band A fine".
The amount of a "band A fine" is:

• 50% of one week's wages, with a maximum fine of £1,000, if the offender has a job and has declared their income on the court paperwork;
• £60, if the offender is a student, or on benefits; or
• £220, if the offender has not engaged with the court case or provided the necessary information.

The fine would then be adjusted downwards if the offender had pleaded guilty, with a reduction of one-third for a plea at the first opportunity, tapering down to one-tenth for a plea at the start of a trial.

There are also three more amounts to pay:

• A victim surcharge, which is 40% of the fine
• Compensation for the unpaid fare
• The prosecution costs

The amount being claiming for the latter two items should be on your SJP paperwork, but the costs may increase if there has to be a hearing in court.

I say "typically" above for two reasons:

1. There is no entry in the sentencing guidelines for Railway Byelaw offences. This is unfortunate, as they occur very frequently indeed. The court will usually use the section 5 (1) Regulation of Railways Act guideline instead.
2. The court is not rigidly bound to follow sentencing guidelines, and it can raise or lower the punishment due to the specific facts of any individual case.

A fines calculator is at https://sentencingcouncil.org.uk/fine-calculator/



If it goes to court and you plead guilty or are found guilty (as I don't think there is much question that you were) then you would have a criminal record (because that is literally a record of the sentences passed by the court AIUI)
But more significant in practical terms is this:
You have to declare that record when asked about it for a period of time until it is 'spent' - for this I think it's 1 or 2 years

see this charity website which helps people with records for more info and might help you get a sense of it and the rules that apply about when you can be asked etc

Unlock

For people with criminal records.

unlock.org.uk

Would depend on whether if in that time frame you were required to even declare it on applications for teaching jobs / training - you'd need to check as it can vary from profession to profession I expect.

ref solicitors - you could at least ring them for quotes if you wanted to - firms we see mentioned on here (I have no connection nor have ever used any of them) are:

Manak Solicitors

Fare Evasion Solicitors | Kent & London | Manak Solicitors

manaksolicitors.co.uk

Makwanas

Fare Evasion Solicitors London | High Success Rate | TFL Solicitors

www.makwanas.co.uk

http://www.grayhooperholt.co.uk/default.asp?id=30

https://penmansedgwick.com/fare-evasion/

thank you for posting this! this is so helpful

 

[WesternLancer]

Thank you all for answering my queries. I think. having responded to the second offense, I not just have to wait to see what they will do. I suppose my questions are:

if its a courts summons, does anyone know the timeline from being asked to verify my events to going to court? - wondering if I do want legal representation, it might be better to contact earlier rather than later and if they can help improve my situation.

Would almost certainly be a few weeks from when you reply to TfL's verification letter until when they tell you if they are taking you to court / you receive court papers - which would then have a court date some further weeks ahead I would think (assuming it's not done via the SJPN which is all paper based and does not involve going to court at all if you plead guilty on the SJPN paperwork that would be sent to you by the court)

see other TfL threads and you may be able to see the sort of typical timeline by the dates people post on as they update their threads during the process

if its a court appearance, How should I conduct myself given my situation and the false details given in the first incident and then partially false in the second incidence. This is where I am really in the red.

There was some very thorough info given on the forum about how to prepare for an in person court appearance. Can dig that out but probably worth waiting until you know if you are actually going to be asked to go to court in person.

As things progress it's probably worth you keeping your thread up to date so that people can advise you how best to deal with each stage in the process to make sure it's the least worst it can be.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Sep 2026 ==

Overall, I doubt that is the case. We see lots of them here for very specific reasons, and while Lavender Hill Magistrates Court will see a lot, because that's where TfL cases go, I would imagine they are very rare at other courts in London.

Thanks - that was a quote from the thread where that info was originally published - but of course your point is still pertinent.

 

[12lolna]

It is pretty much a certainty that you won't be going to prison for this. A prosecution would be under the TfL byelaws and will result in a fine, plus TfL's costs and compensation, with the fine being based on your earnings.

You won't avoid a criminal record but it's a pretty trivial matter and will be spent immediately. It would only be a problem on an enhanced DBS check and even then only if it is considered relevant, which I would doubt it would be for teaching.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Sep 2026 ==


It's a magistrates court and you'll be fine without representation. There is no point in spending hundreds of pounds when you are quite capable of pleading guilty by yourself.

yup! im thinking maybe save a few bucks and plead guilty myself. but First wait and see. thanks

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Sep 2026 ==

Would almost certainly be a few weeks from when you reply to TfL's verification letter until when they tell you if they are taking you to court / you receive court papers - which would then have a court date some further weeks ahead I would think (assuming it's not done via the SJPN which is all paper based and does not involve going to court at all if you plead guilty on the SJPN paperwork that would be sent to you by the court)

see other TfL threads and you may be able to see the sort of typical timeline by the dates people post on as they update their threads during the process


There was some very thorough info given on the forum about how to prepare for an in person court appearance. Can dig that out but probably worth waiting until you know if you are actually going to be asked to go to court in person.

As things progress it's probably worth you keeping your thread up to date so that people can advise you how best to deal with each stage in the process to make sure it's the least worst it can be.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Sep 2026 ==


Thanks - that was a quote from the thread where that info was originally published - but of course your point is still pertinent.

oh so 2 options, SJPN or court. good to know, i will check the other threads to get an idea of timelines. in the mean time I shall wait and hold my nerve.
I will work keep it updated. you all are way too helpful to not ask and get advice form. thank you

 

[WesternLancer]

yup! im thinking maybe save a few bucks and plead guilty myself. but First wait and see. thanks

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Sep 2026 ==


oh so 2 options, SJPN or court. good to know, i will check the other threads to get an idea of timelines. in the mean time I shall wait and hold my nerve.
I will work keep it updated. you all are way too helpful to not ask and get advice form. thank you

SJPN is also court (as in it's a court process) just does not involving going to court in person - just to be clear if that helps

Having said that I think I have seen on here other TfL cases being summonsed to court in person so that they can get other cases of the evasion taken into consideration in order to get the past fares evaded added to the sum they can get from you - not sure why this is required but I think that is how I understand it when reading advice being given on that on other threads

so you may well need to be prepared for an in person court appearance if that is how it happens

 

[12lolna]

SJPN is also court (as in it's a court process) just does not involving going to court in person - just to be clear if that helps

Having said that I think I have seen on here other TfL cases being summonsed to court in person so that they can get other cases of the evasion taken into consideration in order to get the past fares evaded added to the sum they can get from you - not sure why this is required but I think that is how I understand it when reading advice being given on that on other threads

so you may well need to be prepared for an in person court appearance if that is how it happens

yeah makes total sense. good to know wait to see how they proceed.

 

[island]

Having said that I think I have seen on here other TfL cases being summonsed to court in person so that they can get other cases of the evasion taken into consideration in order to get the past fares evaded added to the sum they can get from you - not sure why this is required but I think that is how I understand it when reading advice being given on that on other threads

You are correct. Where it is proposed to deal with multiple offences in one hearing, the law requires this to be held in person. The prosecutor (TfL) and not the defendant chooses whether to do this. If the defendant does not turn up, they risk the matter being dealt with in their absence, or an arrest warrant.

 

[WesternLancer]

You are correct. Where it is proposed to deal with multiple offences in one hearing, the law requires this to be held in person. The prosecutor (TfL) and not the defendant chooses whether to do this. If the defendant does not turn up, they risk the matter being dealt with in their absence, or an arrest warrant.

Thanks for clarifying

 

[12lolna]

Hi all, I got an email response back today. Essentially, they noted the previous journeys on the pass may have been me as well. As expected I guess. I have been using it for my daily commute after all.

They asked if I challenge this assertion and if so to sent proof via travel statements.

I’m not sure how best to proceed. I feel the best option is to state that I have been using the pass for my daily commute and also provide my bank statements. Apologies and cooperate with the investigation in the hopes they ask me to pay up.

I don’t wish to deceive or mislead. I know I’m in for a pretty serious multiple offense thing

So just curious, what do people suggest and how might I go forward here ?

Side note: since this has happened, I’ve become really afraid of going to courts, just straight stuff afraid. I know this is irrational. So I wondered if they would consider a SJNP at this point, especially if I cooperate and state what I’ve done ?

 

[WesternLancer]

Hi all, I got an email response back today. Essentially, they noted the previous journeys on the pass may have been me as well. As expected I guess. I have been using it for my daily commute after all.

They asked if I challenge this assertion and if so to sent proof via travel statements.

I’m not sure how best to proceed. I feel the best option is to state that I have been using the pass for my daily commute and also provide my bank statements. Apologies and cooperate with the investigation in the hopes they ask me to pay up.

I don’t wish to deceive or mislead. I know I’m in for a pretty serious multiple offense thing

So just curious, what do people suggest and how might I go forward here ?

Side note: since this has happened, I’ve become really afraid of going to courts, just straight stuff afraid. I know this is irrational. So I wondered if they would consider a SJNP at this point, especially if I cooperate and state what I’ve done ?

I think the problem with your last point is that for them to deal with multiple offences in the way they do it is as @island explains in post #21 they need to deal with it in person in court rather than SJPN. I think that's probably in your interest financially because they want to cover off all that travel and be repaid for it and this is how they can do that under a process of prosecuting for one offence, but obtaining the fares for the other occasions as part of one process - as opposed to prosecuting for multiple occasions. Hopefully someone will correct me if I have misunderstood.

This is presumably why they want to establish from you how many such journeys are involved.

Ref fear of actually going to court there has been some useful info given on here about how to best prepare for that process in practical terms which @island has posted in the past and may be of use to you if it gets to that stage.

Hopefully others can give guidance in terms of what is the best way to respond to the request you have just received.

 

[Titfield]

I would suggest that you now consult a solicitor given the seriousness of the offence and the period over which you have been misusing the Freedom Pass.

They self evidently have collected the evidence they require to secure a conviction for the repeated misuse of the pass.

Thanks to @WesternLancer for the following list of solicitors believed to specialise in this issue.
Manak Solicitors

Fare Evasion Solicitors | Kent & London | Manak Solicitors

Manak Solicitors: Skilled legal defence for fare evasion cases. Rely on our experienced team to protect your rights, challenge penalties, and guide you through the process.

manaksolicitors.co.uk


Makwanas


Fare Evasion Solicitors London | High Success Rate | TFL Solicitors

www.makwanas.co.uk

Gray Hooper Holt LLP Solicitors​

Solicitors offering a wide range of legal services
www.grayhooperholt.co.uk

Fare Evasion - Penman Sedgwick​

penmansedgwick.com

 

[WesternLancer]

I would suggest that you now consult a solicitor given the seriousness of the offence and the period over which you have been misusing the Freedom Pass.

They self evidently have collected the evidence they require to secure a conviction for the repeated misuse of the pass.

Thanks to @WesternLancer for the following list of solicitors believed to specialise in this issue.
Manak Solicitors

Fare Evasion Solicitors | Kent & London | Manak Solicitors

Manak Solicitors: Skilled legal defence for fare evasion cases. Rely on our experienced team to protect your rights, challenge penalties, and guide you through the process.

manaksolicitors.co.uk


Makwanas


Fare Evasion Solicitors London | High Success Rate | TFL Solicitors

www.makwanas.co.uk

Gray Hooper Holt LLP Solicitors​

Solicitors offering a wide range of legal services
www.grayhooperholt.co.uk

Fare Evasion - Penman Sedgwick​

penmansedgwick.com

I suspect this is still a trade off between the cost of a solicitor vs the consequences of a conviction.

And whether a solicitor has a reasonable chance of preventing prosecution.

An initial discussion with a solicitor to include requesting an estimate of cost should be free I would assume however.

 

[Acathater]

Hi all, I got an email response back today. Essentially, they noted the previous journeys on the pass may have been me as well. As expected I guess. I have been using it for my daily commute after all.

They asked if I challenge this assertion and if so to sent proof via travel statements.

I’m not sure how best to proceed. I feel the best option is to state that I have been using the pass for my daily commute and also provide my bank statements. Apologies and cooperate with the investigation in the hopes they ask me to pay up.

I don’t wish to deceive or mislead. I know I’m in for a pretty serious multiple offense thing

So just curious, what do people suggest and how might I go forward here ?

Side note: since this has happened, I’ve become really afraid of going to courts, just straight stuff afraid. I know this is irrational. So I wondered if they would consider a SJNP at this point, especially if I cooperate and state what I’ve done ?

Have they made any comments linking you to the first pass that was confiscated?

 

[Titfield]

I suspect this is still a trade off between the cost of a solicitor vs the consequences of a conviction.

And whether a solicitor has a reasonable chance of preventing prosecution.

An initial discussion with a solicitor to include requesting an estimate of cost should be free I would assume however.

Indeed. There was a reference upthread to the OP considering becoming a teacher in 10 years time hence my suggestion re Solicitors. However I think the point about cost vs benefit and chances of success needs very careful consideration indeed given the scale of offending.

At least by getting a free consultation they would get an idea of the probabilities of the various outcomes.

 

[Fawkes Cat]

There was a reference upthread to the OP considering becoming a teacher in 10 years time hence my suggestion re Solicitors

You may also have seen my post #10 above, which I based on what I have seen in real life. If your experience or observation is different, please do share so that I can improve advice I give.

 

[Haywain]

There was a reference upthread to the OP considering becoming a teacher in 10 years time hence my suggestion re Solicitors. However I think the point about cost vs benefit and chances of success needs very careful consideration indeed given the scale of offending.

The OP would be unlikely to be disadvantaged by a minor, and spent, conviction ten years after the event.

They self evidently have collected the evidence they require to secure a conviction for the repeated misuse of the pass.

We know that TfL will prosecute a single offence and may ask for others to be taken into consideration. It won't be a conviction for "repeated misuse".