Fare Evasion

They will most likey not prosecute if your 17. It will most likey be a fine, but make sure your parents explain that it was the first time you've done that and that it was a mistake that you will not repeat. Tell your parents that what they write to them is not privellaged and can therefore be used in court, so just make sure its not an outright confession.

Like I said, I doubt that they will prosecute. If they do, then go to a solicitor. Ask them to write a letter to settle out of court. (They wil almost always settle if your that young and its the first tie). It may be a bit expensive, but it will be worth it.
If they do prosecute you then it would not be fraud, but it will be under the bylaws, its not AS serious, but still gives you a criminal record if they go through with it, which can prvent you from becoming a lawyer, teacher, doctor etc.

They tend not to go after those under 18. I thin you'll be fine. Don't do it again, because they will definitley take you to court.

- A law student.

Letter from mother

I don't see how they can argue with that really

What do you think will happen?

In an ideal world, they'd take pity on you and just make you pay the fare; slap on the wrist, don't do it again kind of thing. No courts involved. However, the magistrates are unpredictable so I honestly have no idea. Because you're under 18 and therefore a 'minor' the charges can't be that severe anyway, I wouldn't worry about it.

Very helpful to hear, please could you read the above letter and tell me what you think?

Get a solicitor. Would you expect to get away with stealing food from a shop?

I think you're worrying about nothing. If you can't pay a fare they take you're details and bill you via post which sounds like that's all this is. As long as you pay the unpaid fare notice then nothing happens, it's basically just an invoice.

I know this as my card didn't work once. I'd imagine if they were going to prosecute they'd have called the transport police there and then.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/transport/transport/public-transport/trains/unpaid-fare-notices-on-trains/

seriously??

I have recieved a letter already allowing my parents to try explain why i did what i did. It is in the above pages. Im not sure how far it'll go however .

payment for the due fair would go a long way

No


They will tell you what myself or the law student told you. You'd probably have to pay more for their time than any civic penalty.

No pun intended, I've just realised what I wrote.

So you believe apart from a fine i should be okay

Is that letter that has been written above okay?

I think if they were going to prosecute they would have just done it as opposed to offering the chance for an explanation/apology.

Very helpful to hear, please could you read the above letter and tell me what you think?

In my non-professional opinion yes.


I don't believe they will press charges