Caught using freedom pass - please help !!!

[mohssincakam]

Hello dear team

Today i caught using my stepson freedom pass at london bus by inspector this is the first time happened to me and yesterday travel with it yesterday and today and some days , he take my details and freedom pass as well

Please tell me what happened next
Thanks all !!!

 

[Fawkes Cat]

Hello dear team

Today i caught using my stepson freedom pass at london bus by inspector this is the first time happened to me and yesterday travel with it yesterday and today and some days , he take my details and freedom pass as well

Please tell me what happened next
Thanks all !!!

Welcome to the forum.

Transport for London ('TfL') will investigate what use has been made of the pass. Then they will write to you asking for anything you want to tell them. After that, TfL have a choice over whether to give you a warning not to misuse the card again, or to prosecute you by taking you to court. Almost always they decide to prosecute.

So you will either have to go to court, or everything may be done by post through the 'Single Justice Procedure'. Either way, on the facts that you have told us, you will have to plead guilty, or you will be found guilty. So then you will be punished for breaking the law by having to pay a fine, plus court costs and so on. You will not be sent to prison as that's not a punishment used for this sort of thing.

 

[mohssincakam]

Yeah thank you for advice, because i work does will
Have criminal records ay my DBS

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 Jun 2026 ==

Welcome to the forum.

Transport for London ('TfL') will investigate what use has been made of the pass. Then they will write to you asking for anything you want to tell them. After that, TfL have a choice over whether to give you a warning not to misuse the card again, or to prosecute you by taking you to court. Almost always they decide to prosecute.

So you will either have to go to court, or everything may be done by post through the 'Single Justice Procedure'. Either way, on the facts that you have told us, you will have to plead guilty, or you will be found guilty. So then you will be punished for breaking the law by having to pay a fine, plus court costs and so on. You will not be sent to prison as that's not a punishment used for this sort of thing.

Thank you very much for your answer really appreciated please I’m really stressed. I’m worried to go DBS criminal record. Tell me what I do next. I really appreciate it. Thank you.

 

[Fawkes Cat]

Yeah thank you for advice, because i work does will
Have criminal records ay my DBS

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 Jun 2026 ==


Thank you very much for your answer really appreciated please I’m really stressed. I’m worried to go DBS criminal record. Tell me what I do next. I really appreciate it. Thank you.

For the moment, all you can do is wait for TfL to write to you. That will take at least some days and it may be some weeks or months.

As to the DBS, my understanding is that this sort of thing is not recorded for that. But I might be wrong: if someone else with more certainty can clarify this point that would be helpful.

 

[mohssincakam]

For the moment, all you can do is wait for TfL to write to you. That will take at least some days and it may be some weeks or months.

As to the DBS, my understanding is that this sort of thing is not recorded for that. But I might be wrong: if someone else with more certainty can clarify this point that would be helpful.

Thank you , am just waiting maybe find solictor can help me it will cost around 1£k
Dunno am so confused and stressed

 

[AlterEgo]

For the moment, all you can do is wait for TfL to write to you. That will take at least some days and it may be some weeks or months.

As to the DBS, my understanding is that this sort of thing is not recorded for that. But I might be wrong: if someone else with more certainty can clarify this point that would be helpful.

The conviction doesn't get recorded on the Police National Computer and won't show on Basic or Standard checks. However, it will be a legal requirement for the OP to disclose it anyway for a year until it is spent. Whether something appears on a DBS is not the same as whether a conviction is protected or not under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, and if asked about unspent convictions they must declare it if it is not spent. If you get a job or acquire insurance etc and lie about an unspent conviction you are running the risk of committing further offences.

A conviction of this nature may in some circumstances show on an Enhanced DBS.

 

[mohssincakam]

The conviction doesn't get recorded on the Police National Computer and won't show on Basic or Standard checks. However, it will be a legal requirement for the OP to disclose it anyway for a year until it is spent. Whether something appears on a DBS is not the same as whether a conviction is protected or not under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, and if asked about unspent convictions they must declare it if it is not spent. If you get a job or acquire insurance etc and lie about an unspent conviction you are running the risk of committing further offences.

A conviction of this nature may in some circumstances show on an Enhanced DBS.

Thank you so much for replying , just really worried because i work at hospital
As well what u think get solicitor? As knowledge i did it at bus
Please anyone can help will really appreciate it because i feel really really bad i never had or did problems like this

 

[WesternLancer]

Thank you so much for replying , just really worried because i work at hospital
As well what u think get solicitor? As knowledge i did it at bus
Please anyone can help will really appreciate it because i feel really really bad i never had or did problems like this

Go and speak to the union representative at your hospital workplace.
If you don’t know who that is ask longer serving members of staff that you know and trust.

 

[mohssincakam]

Go and speak to the union representative at your hospital workplace.
If you don’t know who that is ask longer serving members of staff that you know and trust.

Thanks for advice , if i get solicitor I’ve chances do not go to court as i did first time on bus please

 

[mohssincakam]

Go and speak to the union representative at your hospital workplace.
If you don’t know who that is ask longer serving members of staff that you know and trust.

Need help please all give me good advice

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 10 Jun 2026 ==

Go and speak to the union representative at your hospital workplace.
If you don’t know who that is ask longer serving members of staff that you know and trust.

If i get solicitor its good idea?

 

[Fawkes Cat]

If i get solicitor its good idea?

Before you get a solicitor, find out if a conviction will make you lose your job. If your job is safe, you won't need to worry.

We have seen some success with solicitors getting TfL to give a warning instead of going to court, but this doesn't always work. And your solicitor will want to be paid even if they don't get you off. So think hard before going down that route.

 

[mohssincakam]

Before you get a solicitor, find out if a conviction will make you lose your job. If your job is safe, you won't need to worry.

We have seen some success with solicitors getting TfL to give a warning instead of going to court, but this doesn't always work. And your solicitor will want to be paid even if they don't get you off. So think hard before going down that route.

I work as hospital ill ask , but I don’t want criminal records at all i feel very bad u never been in situation like this

 

[Fawkes Cat]

I work as hospital ill ask

That's a good idea. But make sure you ask your union, or a colleague whose judgement you trust. Don't ask management yet in case they decide that you are already in trouble.

 

[mohssincakam]

That's a good idea. But make sure you ask your union, or a colleague whose judgement you trust. Don't ask management yet in case they decide that you are already in trouble.

Will do thank so much for your help , but definitely will get solicitor at i catch at bus

 

[WesternLancer]

Will do thank so much for your help , but definitely will get solicitor at i catch at bus

If you want to use a solicitor or at least get quotes from them, then you are recommended to use a firm that have experience in this type of work

The firms we have seen mentioned on here by people who have used them for rail fare related legal work 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/

 

[Benjwri]

I would read your contract and as others have mentioned talk to your union rep. If you work for the NHS some contracts would require you to disclose this as soon as you are served with court paperwork, rather than only once convicted, so will definitely want to get a head start on it

 

[mohssincakam]

If you want to use a solicitor or at least get quotes from them, then you are recommended to use a firm that have experience in this type of work

The firms we have seen mentioned on here by people who have used them for rail fare related legal work 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 very much , I should contact them now or wait to get letter, as well the letter it woll be definitely to explain to them or maybe fine penalty

 

[Haywain]

Thank you very much , I should contact them now or wait to get letter, as well the letter it woll be definitely to explain to them or maybe fine penalty

It's up to you whether you contact them now or when you get a letter, as the timing won't make much difference. Just be aware that engaging a solicitor will cost you in the region of £750 to £1200.

 

[mohssincakam]

It's up to you whether you contact them now or when you get a letter, as the timing won't make much difference. Just be aware that engaging a solicitor will cost you in the region of £750 to £1200.

I would rather pay that or go court wish am so stressful now , please anyone get experience like me text me about good solicitor
Sorry if i get letter can explain by myself or need solicitor

 

[WesternLancer]

I would rather pay that or go court wish am so stressful now , please anyone get experience like me text me about good solicitor
Sorry if i get letter can explain by myself or need solicitor

If you search the names of the solicitors I listed using the forum search box (top rt hand corner) then you will see what people who have used those firms have said.
I certainly recall cases involving both Mackwana's and Manak that relate to TfL work

You may find a solicitor can present your case more effectively than you yourself may be able to do - but this work odes come at a cost as mentioned above.

 

[mohssincakam]

If you search the names of the solicitors I listed using the forum search box (top rt hand corner) then you will see what people who have used those firms have said.
I certainly recall cases involving both Mackwana's and Manak that relate to TfL work

You may find a solicitor can present your case more effectively than you yourself may be able to do - but this work odes come at a cost as mentioned above.

Yeah did contact him thank you a lot , will wait to get letter then book consultation with him its chance get warning letter in beginning or pay penalty

 

[flitwickbeds]

I would rather pay that or go court

Engaging a solicitor does not in any way guarantee you won't go to court.

You may end up with exactly the same outcome and consequences, but with the additional cost.

 

[Manak]

When there is a TFL case, it is far preferable to instruct a firm before getting the letter. This allows time to obtain mitigating documents which may take more than ten days. TFL will not send a penalty fare, you will have a letter referring to a potential prosecution. There is no advantage to waiting.

 

[mohssincakam]

When there is a TFL case, it is far preferable to instruct a firm before getting the letter. This allows time to obtain mitigating documents which may take more than ten days. TFL will not send a penalty fare, you will have a letter referring to a potential prosecution. There is no advantage to waiting.

Yeah will book next week consultation with Manak solicitor i hear his good as well when i spoke with they very professional
But would wait a bit to get letter and see what next , thank you for advice

 

[Benjwri]

When there is a TFL case, it is far preferable to instruct a firm before getting the letter. This allows time to obtain mitigating documents which may take more than ten days. TFL will not send a penalty fare, you will have a letter referring to a potential prosecution. There is no advantage to waiting.

TfL will normally send a verification letter before starting proceedings no?

Yeah will book next week consultation with Manak solicitor i hear his good as well when i spoke with they very professional
But would wait a bit to get letter and see what next , thank you for advice

Having said that I would check your contract ASAP. As I mentioned before it is common for NHS contracts to require disclosure as soon as proceedings start. If this is the case I would seriously consider engaging a solicitor now as if they do go straight to court proceedings you will have to disclose it immediately to your employer and this gives the solicitor to chance to help.

 

[mohssincakam]

TfL will normally send a verification letter before starting proceedings no?

Having said that I would check your contract ASAP. As I mentioned before it is common for NHS contracts to require disclosure as soon as proceedings start. If this is the case I would seriously consider engaging a solicitor now as if they do go straight to court proceedings you will have to disclose it immediately to your employer and this gives the solicitor to chance to help.

TfL will normally send a verification letter before starting proceedings no?

Having said that I would check your contract ASAP. As I mentioned before it is common for NHS contracts to require disclosure as soon as proceedings start. If this is the case I would seriously consider engaging a solicitor now as if they do go straight to court proceedings you will have to disclose it immediately to your employer and this gives the solicitor to chance to help.

Thank you maybe its good idea will wait tell get letter then go solicitor for consultation

 

[Manak]

TfL will normally send a verification letter before starting proceedings no?

Having said that I would check your contract ASAP. As I mentioned before it is common for NHS contracts to require disclosure as soon as proceedings start. If this is the case I would seriously consider engaging a solicitor now as if they do go straight to court proceedings you will have to disclose it immediately to your employer and this gives the solicitor to chance to help.

Yes TFL do which gives only 10 days to respond, hence it is preferable to instruct before receiving the letter so that mitigation documents can be sought as some take more than 10 days to obtain.

 

[Sun Chariot]

Today i caught using my stepson freedom pass at london bus by inspector

this is the first time happened to me

and ... travel with it yesterday and today and some days

Hello @mohssincakam

If I've understood your opening post correctly:
1) you (ab)used your stepson's TfL Freedom Pass on multiple occasions. 9-June + 8-June + "some days" (how many days?)
2) 9-June is the first time you were caught using it.
Why did you repeatedly use the TfL Freedom Pass that is not registered for your use?

 

[mohssincakam]

Hello @mohssincakam

If I've understood your opening post correctly:
1) you (ab)used your stepson's TfL Freedom Pass on multiple occasions. 9-June + 8-June + "some days" (how many days?)
2) 9-June is the first time you were caught using it.
Why did you repeatedly use the TfL Freedom Pass that is not registered for your use?

It was my fault, i feel so bad will never do again honestly

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

Yes TFL do which gives only 10 days to respond, hence it is preferable to instruct before receiving the letter so that mitigation documents can be sought as some take more than 10 days to obtain.

Can you share one solicitor number please

 

[WesternLancer]

Can you share one solicitor number please

Solicitor contact details are in post 15 above.
Use the links there