TFL Fine... criminal record time, wtf?

had a dodgy oyster card that sometimes worked and sometimes didn't for years. Never paid on the tube, always jumped the barrier or went trough with other people. if caught I could always say the bloody thing wouldn't work and I am in a rush. But obviously don't use the tube much(I have a bike).

I hope it's not a stolen one...

Alltogetherforlondon!

hahahaha
that's where the story should have been reported.

errrr where's the argument? you got on the bus, first thing to do is swipe your Oyster? No? Card swipe fail, move on...

Oh I love a bit of compassion... I had no intention of traveling for free, next time you gesture a half pedal forward at a red light then that should be worth consideration for an on the spot fine?

I accept that a £20 penalty fare would be appropriate as I couldn't show a valid ticket when asked, but fare dodging because the ticket inspector felt I was, a criminal record and up to £1,000 fine seems just a little bit harsh.

sorry I was probably a bit harsh but it is better you take it up with Tfl. Did you pay the £20 fine? I felt your story was not complete. I hope you get it sorted.

Happened to a mate of mine last year and I used to work as a lawyer so I called the old bill for them and asked a few questions. She'd bought the wrong ticket and then lied to the inspectors about her journey. They found her out, she admitted it and then was threatened with prosecution.

Basically, not paying a fare is not itself a criminal offence. This covers people who, in good faith, buy a ticket that doesn't cover their entire journey.

Where it becomes a criminal offence is when the person knowingly evades a fare. People usually unwittingly reveal their knowledge that they should have paid to the inspectors when they are asked why the fare hasn't been paid. An answer such as "forgot to swipe my oyster" or "I was going to swipe it later" will mean that you fall into the catagory of 'might be prosecuted'.

To prosecute someone with a clean criminal record and for a first fare dodge is within their power but extremely heavy handed. They apparently usually only reserve prosecutions for persistent dodgers - generally the people who come on the tubes to beg or pickpocket.

It might seem like a minor offence but in essence its actually classified as a crime of 'dishonesty', therefore it will be flagged up and may cause problems if you want a career in the law, accountancy or you want to emigrate. Doesn't necessarily make these things impossible but it can make it more difficult than normal.

^which is only slightly less fucked up then giving some one a criminal record that falls in the same category as assault, because they said no to a police officer.

welcome to England, Chris.

Home of the petty crime squad, where you can get away with murder but end up doing time for dodging a parking ticket or train fare

In these kind of situation I would say go to court and put you case forward. Even if TLF bother sending someone to the court they'll have one hell of a job proving that you were intentionally trying to dodge the fare ( unless you have be caught before). In most cases like this the magistrate will take a dim view of the authority in question. Especially if the inspector did not tell you what he intended to do. Bear in mind that TLF and other authorities rely on apathy and people's fear of the legal system.

Wish that were the case but from my experience both TFL and the magistrates will be far more petty.

If you signed anything when the inspectors caught you then their case is pretty much made out and it will be hard for you to prove otherwise. If you weren't made to sign anything then you may have more of a chance.

Whether you've done it before has no bearing on them deciding your guilt in this instance but will have a bearing on your punishment.

I'm soooo glad that London is a utopia free of serious crime so our judicial system can spend its time prosecuting this shit. Aren't we lucky....

Never been ticketed or anything before, I don't think I signed anything... he just took my details? I think I'm going to get a lawyer on the case to avoid the fine and criminal record (I'd like to be able to work abroad in the near future), could cost ~£500 though, ah well. Will also contact CAB Monday to see what their experience/advice is.

Tah all.

Its fair to say it may not work in all cases, after all each situation will be different albeit subtly. But having been in court on either side of the fence as it were I would say it worth a try.

On reflecting on my last post I would add (put it down to the hangover) If you can sort it out before going to court all the better though.

Whoever you speak too... a lot will be down to the way you present the situation, the way the inspector acted and your own behaviour... so it is worth spending some time considering all of this before going forward.

All the best.

but did you swipe your oyster in the end? if so then you paid your fare...

Its a criminal matter so it shouldn't cost you anything to get a solicitor on the case.

I agree that you should go and see the CAB and then, if they think it necessary, get yourself to a solicitor who specialises in criminal legal aid work. Don't leave it to the duty solicitor at the magistrates on the day because it's probably a case where they would consider it minor enough for you to represent yourself and they wouldn't take it on.

H&T is spot on though, try and get it sorted before it gets to court. Ifind it absolutely incredible that they're prosecuting you in the circumstances. Unfortunately the system is full of complete tools (on both sides of the fence) and its the main reason I got out of the game.

its the main reason I got off the game.

You used to be a prostitute?

I think he meant solictor, rather than solictiting. I cannot see him riding fixed, with that short skirt and stilettos

If he was a male prostitute, why would he be wearing a short skirt and stilettos?

If he was a male prostitute, why would he be wearing a short skirt and stilettos?

For money?

If he was a male prostitute, why would he be wearing a short skirt and stilettos?

sexual peccadillos fail

As bizarrely entertaining the image of a male prostitute in high heels and a mini skirt on a fixie is, back to the matter in hand. (maybe not the best way of putting it)!

When it comes to contacting TFL it would be worth putting your concerns in writing rather than just calling them. In my experience a letter or email has far more impact than just a phone call. Also, if your are so inclined you can copy others into your letter.... such as your local MP, representative on the London Assembly or perhaps Boris... This can have pretty good effect if used carefully.

Also, when you contact TFL ask them to provide you with the evidence that they intend to use in court against you. IE the notes taken by the inspector and his statement.... The point here is if you make it clear that you intend to make this difficult for them they may look for a compromise which is less costly for them.

why didn't you just hit him with some fake details and get off at the next stop?

welcome to England, Chris.

Home of the petty crime squad, where you can get away with murder but end up doing time for dodging a parking ticket or train fare

the above happened in the states.

the above happened in the states.

Yeh, it was OJ Simpson.

"if it does not fit you must acquit"