Criminal question:
Facing possible prosecution for fare evasion on the London Underground. Had a friend's Student Oyster. Had no idea that this could lead to criminal conviction. I don't mind paying a fine, I just want to avoid a record at all costs because of the negative effects it will have on my job (travel and future relocation to the US). Do you suggest I hire a solicitor? There are several that are willing to negotiate with TfL prosecutions, but I have heard that the London Underground, in particular, almost NEVER settles out of court. I am a person of good character, have never done/been accused of anything like this before, and desperately want to resolve this without a criminal conviction. What do I do?
Responses:
Peter Johnson's response
Yes they are pretty intransigent at the outset if the decision has been made to prosecute. But I acted for a client in similar circumstances recently. Negotiations before the hearing did no good at all. But a quick chat with the prosecutor just as everyone was going into court led to an agreement that the prosecution would be withdrawn. In my experience there is more of a human face at the cutting edge of the court business stage, but you are unlikely to get legal aid and that means representation could be pricey.
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