Caught using 11-15 zip card

[danmario67]

I was tapping in and the inspector came and caught me using my sisters 11-15 oyster card. I had to give my information and also my sisters oyster. I have received a letter to explain what happened. I have been using the card for a couple of months. Is there a chance to avoid prosecution? I’m really anxious. I’m just a student and I don’t think I can afford a solicitor, is it absolutely necessary? Can I get help in drafting my letter perhaps??

Thanks a lot. I realise I messed up. I’m happy to pay the fines.

 

[Haywain]

I’m just a student

How old are you?

I don’t think I can afford a solicitor, is it absolutely necessary?

No, a solicitor can help get a positive outcome in terms of a warning rather than a prosecution but that comes at a cost of around £800.

Can I get help in drafting my letter perhaps??

Yes, you can get help here.

I’m happy to pay the fines.

Well, the most likely outcome is a prosecution which will result in a fine and, as you are a student, the fine should be at the lower end of the scale. The only other possible outcome is a warning which is only applied if TfL feel that you have mitigation that meets with their internal guidelines - you can find details of that by looking online for TfL's prosecution policy.

 

[danmario67]

How old are you?

sorry, im 20.

Yes, you can get help here.

thanks a lot!

Well, the most likely outcome is a prosecution which will result in a fine and, as you are a student, the fine should be at the lower end of the scale. The only other possible outcome is a warning which is only applied if TfL feel that you have mitigation that meets with their internal guidelines - you can find details of that by looking online for TfL's prosecution policy.

okay i will read into that rn, thanks!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 27 Jul 2026 ==

I was tapping in and the inspector came and caught me using my sisters 11-15 oyster card. I had to give my information and also my sisters oyster. I have received a letter to explain what happened. I have been using the card for a couple of months. Is there a chance to avoid prosecution? I’m really anxious. I’m just a student and I don’t think I can afford a solicitor, is it absolutely necessary? Can I get help in drafting my letter perhaps??

Thanks a lot. I realise I messed up. I’m happy to pay the fines.

also i have mental health issues. i am not sure if tfl cares though

 

[30907]

also i have mental health issues. i am not sure if tfl cares though

Unlikely to be relevant mitigation unless your consultant will state that your condition makes you prone to serious misjudgements etc.

 

[furlong]

also i have mental health issues. i am not sure if tfl cares though

Yes you must definitely mention that - with evidence of course - they have to take it into account when deciding on the next steps.
Also try to find one or two people who know you well in a professional capacity (e.g. tutors) who are prepared to give you a short character reference (to speak to your basic honesty). I'd suggest you try to show what happened was out of character and partly connected with your proven medical condition (assuming it was), apologise, make clear it'll never happen again and politely request they consider giving you a warning.

 

[walkingsophie]

If you have money to spare and really find it important to not get a prosecution, getting a solicitor would make it much more likely you get a warning rather than a prosecution. Other forum members should be able to advise more on this.

Edit: Rereading your original post I realised I missed you mentioning being unable to afford a solicitor. furlong's suggestion above is good, and if you post your draft letter here people here can definitely help with it

 

[Swedenorer]

Under Prosecution Policy 8.2 (d) any evidence of mental health issues must be supported by 'satisfactory medical proof from a medical expert in the relevant field'. And one supposes they will make a judgement on whether the condition would at at least explain the behaviour you've been exhibiting. You can't just simply claim to have such issues.