Thanks for reply.I would attend in court and plead guilty.Also in the mean time should I carry on writing to TFL ask them to settle out of court?Also do I need any lawyer in court or should I go on myself and plead guilty and request to give me an absolute discharge?Please reply...Anything happen I will let you know . Thanks again

It would be better to plead guilty and attend. You can apologise and explain any mitigating circumstances, such as financial hardship, to the magistrates. You can also provide mitigation against sentencing, such as character references or documentation demonstrating that you could lose your job or visa. You would need strong evidence to support this though.

 

An absolute discharge is a finding of guilt, is still a conviction, and would still give you a criminal record. Even so, unfortunately there is very little chance that you could get this as the fare evasion was clearly intentional and over an extended period of time.

Thanks Justice,for your reply.I am so kind of you.Can I ask on court summons when I reply it comes with a form having expense information need to be filled out also asking employer information...should I fill that form or not? Also should I include any mitigation in writing with this form as I am going to attend court date anyway.If you reply I would appreciate a lot.Thanks

Hi , I received court summons as I caught on train buying zone 2-3 but travelling on zone 1 and didn't touch my oyster card to start my journey to avoid fare for zone 1.I said I have done this intentionally for a month.As the inspector said he is just taking my details and they will send me fine,but I didn't have an idea it is going on court.Anyway I know I am guilty. I wrote to tfl couple of times and spoke to them number of times but it feels like they are not ready to listen.I have court date coming in next month.

In court summons it given me three option-

1.Not attend court and plead guilty

2.Attend court & plead guilty

3.Not plead guilty

Now my question is, I would plead guilty , should I do it by writing or by attending.Can you please suggest which way it would be better for me & is there anyway I can ask for "absolute discharge". which may not be a criminal conviction.Please help as I am in real stress with this fact & also would like to mention , I showed them reason as I had real problem with my finance therefore I couldn't buy zone 1-3 instead bought zone 2-3.pls help asap.I would be eagerly waiting for your reply.Thanks