Caught using freedom pass 1 time only

[Waterbottl]

Hi,

 

I’ve recently been caught using a family members freedom pass. I initially showed them the card and said it was me. I was then asked to show ID which I didn’t have and was asked to unlock my phone and they saw the names did not match.

 

I ended up giving up my identity and everything and I’m now waiting for a letter from TFL regarding a prosecution. I’m very remorseful and scared about the consequences of my very bad and stupid actions.

 

Are there any advice?

And what am I likely being charged with?

Thank you. 

Edited January 20 by dx100uk
added A few blank lines only..dx

[honeybee13]

Hello, welcome to CAG. I've moved your thread to our public transport forum for further advice and left you a link to follow from the Welcome forum.

 

In terms of what might happen next, have a read around our forum for similar threads to see what happened to them. It's hard for us to advise before TfL - is that who you're dealing with? - send their letter which can take anything up to six weeks from what we've seen. We can help to to draft a letter once you hear from them.

 

How many times did you use the Freedom pass?

 

Best, HB

[Waterbottl]

Thank you so much for your quick response! 
 

yes I’m dealing with TFL.

 

Okay I will make another post once I’ve received the letter.

 

I’ve read through some of the threads and there’s a few different outcomes. Minimum I’ve seen is a fine of a couple hundred pounds with no legal action and a maximum of a fine + a criminal record.

 

I’m a student and really want to avoid a criminal record because I’m worried it might set me back

 

I know this is something I should not have done! 
 

Best wishes 

bottle 

Edited January 20 by dx100uk
added A few blank lines only..dx

[honeybee13]

Could you tell us how many times you used the pass please? TfL can check this.

 

HB

[dx100uk]

Await the letter, post up the meat here please as others have.

 

Dx

[Waterbottl]

Hi,

 

I received the letter from TFL yesterday. 

 

 

I have since been typing up a response and I would really appreciate some feedback. I am also not sure if my mitigating circumstances are good enough and i'm not too sure as to what to add. 

 

 

 

letter from tfl

 

1st begging letter.pdf

1st TfL Letter.pdf

[dx100uk]

On 20/01/2022 at 08:11, honeybee13 said:

How many times did you use the Freedom pass?

important

[Waterbottl]

Is this something worth mentioning in my letter? 

Edited January 27 by dx100uk
unnecessary previous post quote removed

[honeybee13]

See what the others think but we don't  normally recommend telling TfL anything they don't already know. Unless I've missed something, it isn't clear to me what they think you did.

 

HB

[dx100uk]

answer my question please.

[Waterbottl]

That one time I got caught is when I used the card 

[honeybee13]

That's a politician's answer.    You can tell us.

 

HB

[dx100uk]

is this the ONLY time you used it or the just you eventually got caught.

 

its important we know for how long and roughly how many times you have done so and got away with it.

that will determine quite a lot about how TfL and us will approach matters.

 

please dont faff around you only have 10 days to reply by email....

you getting things right and 'proper' could be the difference between walking away with a reasonable settlement or a serious criminal record that will fruke your life if you dont play this honestly and walk the straight and narrow going forward.

 

dx

 

[Waterbottl]

I have only used it once 

[dx100uk]

Good news there then.

this should be possible to achieve an ooc on then.

 

the letter you have put up is good, u'll study it further later.

 

you indicate a criminal record would harm your job/career/future..it might be better to expand on why..like your career is?

 

dX

[Waterbottl]

Okay thank you. At the moment I’m looking into many different career prospects, such as tech, cybersecurity, even considering teaching. 

 

How can I remove a document I sent? 

[dx100uk]

sent where?

 

dx

 

[Waterbottl]

The pdf named Document 8 tfl 

[dx100uk]

theres nothing there you need to remove

 

100's have posted like letters

it's important we have that correct info to properly advise you.

 

it would help your chances of OOC to include your future/prospective career route and what your have already achieved by way of qualifications to show how a criminal record would destroy such a young persons future. they are not out to destroy people.

 

 

[Waterbottl]

Okay thank you, I will include this.

 

Also do you think it’s appropriate of me to ask to settle out of court? I did this right at the end of my letter

[Waterbottl]

I intend on sending the email today, if anyone has anything I should add or change please let me know. Sincere thanks for all your help 
 

I would also still like the pdf to be removed. I can type up the relevant information instead 
 

kind regards 

bottle 

[honeybee13]

We have a poster called Old-CodJA who posts from time to time and is very knowledgeable on this stuff. He always suggested asking if TfL will allow you to reach a settlement of the outstanding fare[s] and their reasonable admin expenses. This has to be paid in one lump sum if it's agreed.

 

Something like that, see what others think over the course of today.

 

HB

[Waterbottl]

Okay that’s great thanks for letting me know. 
 

kind regards 

bottle 

[Waterbottl]

Hi, I just received a letter for single justice procedure notice. I need to make a plea which I intend to plead guilty. Should I be sending a letter and calling TFL? 

[dx100uk]

yes pester tfl like mad for an OOC even on the day.

 

plenty of like threads here to read

 

dx