Fare evasion questions

[mimickey]

Has anyone here been convicted for TfL fare evasion under Byelaw 17? Could you tell us what was your experience like? How much impact has it had on your life or has it made a difference at all?

I just want to gauge how serious of an offence that really is and if it would impact one’s life massively. Some suggest that it’s a serious criminal offence whereas others rank it similar to not owning a TV licence conviction.

Or if not convicted and sought legal advice, you got any tried and tested solicitor recommendations for fare evasion matters? Why do you believe they were good? Were their fees expensive?

Appreciate all answers to genuine questions. Cheers.

 

[Hadders]

If you want advice about a case your involved in then you need to tell us what has happened and we will be happy to advise.

A conviction under the TfL Byelaws is a criminal conviction. My understanding is that a byelaw convictions aren't normally recorded on the Police National Computer and ordinarily won't show on DBS checks. That said a criminal conviction is a matter of public record and there are other ways for organisations to check convictions so it is possible that a byelaw conviction could be disclosed in certain situations.

I always advise being honest if you're asked if you have a conviction. I would not expect a conviction for a minor railway ticketing matter to adversely impact future career prospects but the key thing is to be honest about it if asked.

 

[AlterEgo]

Has anyone here been convicted for TfL fare evasion under Byelaw 17? Could you tell us what was your experience like? How much impact has it had on your life or has it made a difference at all?

I just want to gauge how serious of an offence that really is and if it would impact one’s life massively. Some suggest that it’s a serious criminal offence whereas others rank it similar to not owning a TV licence conviction.

Or if not convicted and sought legal advice, you got any tried and tested solicitor recommendations for fare evasion matters? Why do you believe they were good? Were their fees expensive?

Appreciate all answers to genuine questions. Cheers.

This forum mostly works as a place where people come in, get advice in the style of a clinic from a dozen regular posters, and then leave never to be seen again once their issue has been resolved. So there aren't very many people hanging around who can answer those questions from experience I'm afraid.

A Bylaw offence is a minor criminal matter which is strict liability; no dishonesty is implied, as no intent is determined by the court. A conviction will have low impact for most people, but if you are in a regulated profession or require Enhanced DBS (or a higher level of vetting still), you might want to seek specialist advice.

 

[Titfield]

but the key thing is to be honest about it if asked.

There are some professions which, when you apply to be admitted (for example driving instructors), the application form requires the applicant to declare that they will notify the Registrar within seven days of any convictions being sustained. If undeclared convictions are subsequently discovered by the Registrar, action is taken against the individual which may include removal from the Register. A failure to declare (when you have agreed to do so) can be a very serious matter.

 

[some bloke]

I just want to gauge how serious of an offence that really is and if it would impact one’s life massively. Some suggest that it’s a serious criminal offence whereas others rank it similar to not owning a TV licence conviction.

The seriousness of the offence the person is convicted of may not be the only issue.

Employers, regulators and universities (where the course is related to a profession where honesty is considered especially important) tend to be interested in fitness to practise, rather than ticking boxes.

They may reasonably wonder whether dishonest intent could be behind a strict-liability offence.

If their policy is to ask for details, or even if for example a boss innocently says "oh, so you forgot to tap in or something like that?" the result could be that the person is obliged to admit to repeated instances of dishonest conduct.

For some professions/university courses such as in health care, the person may be required to declare when they are charged.

And in some cases there may be a requirement to declare something like "matters which may be relevant" to fitness for a role.

 

[30907]

This thread
https://www.railforums.co.uk/thread...t-of-a-conviction-on-career-prospects.277060/
may be relevant.