Fare evasion is often dismissed as a trivial matter with no implications for those facing prosecution. This is not the case. If you plead guilty, or are found guilty before the court, you will have a criminal conviction which can adversely impact your career, particularly for regulated professionals.

TFL and train companies are increasingly upholding prosecutions against those who fare evade, with TFL adopting quite an unforgiving policy which they apply with tenacity. Although each case is dealt with upon its own facts, the misuse of discounted passes (freedom pass, student etc.) is taken very seriously.

Often, those who are invited by way of initial correspondence from TFL or the train company to respond to an allegation of fare evasion find that their explanation is dismissed or ignored, with the prosecution being upheld.  Many individuals only receive a court summons or Single Justice Procedure Notice (“SJPN”) with no initial correspondence.

It is the prosecution team acting on behalf of each train company that decide whether a prosecution for fare evasion should continue. Challenging a decision to prosecute fare evasion requires a tactical approach. We submit skilful written legal representations with supporting evidence on behalf of our clients to the prosecuting authority to persuade them to discontinue the prosecution and/or offer an alternative out of court disposal.

We understand that the implications of being convicted of fare evasion are serious and you will feel overwhelmed by the process.  Our help is tailored to your needs so that you are supported throughout.

How we can help

We have a track record of successfully challenging fare evasion prosecutions and offer a fixed fee tailored service to include:

• Correspondence: We will immediately notify the relevant transport company that we are acting on your behalf and take overall direct contact with them
• Legal consultation: we will conduct a conference to take your full instructions, provide a clear strategy for your case and discuss the process with you, addressing any queries you may have. This can be conducted face to face or virtually, at your convenience
• Case preparation: we will review supporting evidence, statements and third-party material that may assist your case. We will draft robust written representations to be submitted to the relevant transport company on your behalf.

If you are facing a prosecution for fare evasion, please do not hesitate to contact us today.