jiggyjiggy
Member
Hello, I am new on here and just needed some advice. I was caught using my family members freedom pass on tfl last week. I have been struggling with financial issues as I have just started working again (hence I haven’t been paid yet) and needed to get to work and back while I had an empty wallet until payday. I picked it up unaware of what it actually was or that using it was even a criminal offence. I wasn’t even aware that I couldn’t use it so I confidently used it in front of a group of inspectors (how stupid of me). When they caught me I willingly showed them and cooperated as I assumed that it wouldn’t be that serious and I’ll probs just end up with a fine or warning at the most.
The inspector said she wouldn’t fine me (I thought I got lucky) and that I’ll receive a letter in the post and that I had to respond to it and TFL will decide next steps? Well since coming home I researched what that letter might say and have come across how serious TFL take this, the option of prosecution and possible criminal record. I am now obviously super worried as I genuinely had no clue and I feel so stupid for my ignorance.
Has anyone been in a similar situation to me before and had a positive outcome e.g a warning or just a fine? If I respond with the information above, plead guilty and show my remorse will that increase my chances of not being prosecuted? This is my first ever offence and I obviously worry about my future career aspects as I am currently doing my psychology masters to work with vulnerable groups within the mental health/ criminal justice sector.
The inspector said she wouldn’t fine me (I thought I got lucky) and that I’ll receive a letter in the post and that I had to respond to it and TFL will decide next steps? Well since coming home I researched what that letter might say and have come across how serious TFL take this, the option of prosecution and possible criminal record. I am now obviously super worried as I genuinely had no clue and I feel so stupid for my ignorance.
Has anyone been in a similar situation to me before and had a positive outcome e.g a warning or just a fine? If I respond with the information above, plead guilty and show my remorse will that increase my chances of not being prosecuted? This is my first ever offence and I obviously worry about my future career aspects as I am currently doing my psychology masters to work with vulnerable groups within the mental health/ criminal justice sector.