Thank you all once again for all your replies. I will wait for the letter to arrive and would update you once I receive it. Many thanks

Hi HB, Sorry I was not clear in my question regarding the solicitor representation... I was worried on the earlier comments regarding the prosecution and criminal record and was wondering if I need to actually hire a lawyer to accept my mistake or I can be represented by someone if the tfl decided to prosecute. I would want to pay the fine and dont go the court as I would be ruined if I get a criminal record. I have not yet received any communication as of today from tfl Best Regards,

Thanks again OC, HB and hungryhiphoe, Could you please tell me how much would it cost me if I approach a lawyer regarding my case ? I am not financially sound to afford a lawyer and is there any other way to get advice for my case? I would also appreciate if you could please let me know what should be done to get the freedom pass back to my aunt ? I have done this wrong thing without her knowledge and she has to suffer for it. What can I do to get her pass back ? Can I apply again now or she has to do in person ? Can she apply when she comes back or does she need to wait for the case to be completed? She does not know that I took her pass as she was away. I am really worried about the outcome of my case and is giving me sleepless nights for which I am solely responsible. I want to correct my mistake by repaying the fare and penalties. Could you please advice how much would I be fined and how much would it cost me to settle approximately ?

I am eligible to stay until the beginning of January 2012. But I am planning to leave by November end due to financial difficulties. My aunt does not know yet about this and am really frightened to tell her about this...but I know I have to tell her at some point and am assuming she could let me know if she receives the letter after I left.

I understand misusing a freedom pass was very wrong and I am very sorry for my actions and I want to correct my mistake by repaying the tfl and close this matter before I leave the country. What are the chances of me given an out of court settlement for this?

Thanks for your help HB, I hope the transport guys help me out of this

Thanks for replying friend, My current visa to stay in this country is expiring soon and I have to leave the country as I would be ineligible to reside after my visa expiry date. I wanted to know if this case of fare evasion would be entered into the criminal records bureau? I would want to come back if I get a job opportunity here and am concerned about how it would affect me if i am convicted for this wrong doing. I am afraid I would be denied entry to UK or other countries... Is there any chance of going for a out of court settlement as I am unable to stay in this country for long and avoid being put up on the criminal records?I am really ashamed of my wrong doing and this would not happen again whatever my situation and has been a learning lesson for me. My aunt and myself stay at the same address and have given them the same and would like to know if she can apply for a new card or can she get this card back? After seeing your reply regarding the treatment given to freedom pass abusers, i am more worried and dont know what to do...I feel like a moron for doing this thing

Hi All, I was caught today using the freedom pass of my aunt in the morning outside the station. I am very frightened to all of this happening to me. I should not have used it in the first place, but my financial condition has led me into doing this as my aunt is currently out of the country and she is not aware of all this. The TFL staff have confiscated the freedom pass and have asked me several questions including whether it was my intent to travel by dodging the fare. I have got a small contract job in central london and was costing me a lot to travel to the office in the peak hours which led me to do this wrong thing. I agree i did wrong and have evaded the fare, but the officer refused to budge even after repeated attemps to persuade him that I am ready to pay the fine. I was told I might as well be prosecuted for the wrongdoing. I am not from this country and am planning to go back soon and am very worried and frightened about my outcome and what implications it would have on my future travels and visa. WOuld I be getting a criminal record?? This is the most dumbest thing I have ever done in my life for saving money and have never done anything wrong. I have been going through a lot of tough times and now this fare evasion case is giving me jitters...Is there any way I can call the tfl and request them an out of court settlement by paying the fine as I dont have enough visa as well to stay here longer. Please Help me guys...