When I raised the point I specifically said "do check the wording". There's no point us debating what it might be, what we might expect it to be, or what we might have seen in our own employment. Only the OP and daughter can check what is actually the obligation, and that was my advice.
To the contrary, I stated we lack the funds for a significant settlement. But, thank you for your post. It is some hope that she can admit the stupidity and show remorse in order to avoid a conviction.
Much worse has been settled out of court. However much less has resulted in a conviction in court. However in my experience, as long as your daughter hasn't come to their attention previously then there is a better chance that you can settle it.
Thank you. It is reassuring.It might be worth a read of this in respect of impact on employment. I would interpret it as being fairly clear that this case would have no impact on your daughter’s job.
Serious offending and specified offences
www.nmc.org.uk
don't know if you want to edit your draft above (with the nature of employment details for example) and any other details that may link your daughter to the posts in the event of someone dealing with this case from the prosecuting team making the links between this thread and he case they are dealing with. I don't know if any value from that but it is occasionally suggested on here that such staff do keep an eye on these threads.
I suggest you also remove the line:
Yes, it is true, but something like "apart from the occasions I have admitted above, I have never attempted to evade a fare" is more relevant to the situation.
It can be pretty slow sometimes it seems. They would seek to act within 6 months.
It was Victoria. Southern staff I believe.
OK thanks. Hopefully people here will have an idea on how speedy Southern are, and who carries out their revenue protection follow up work.
Southern is part of GTR and, based on previous threads, they seem to handle these matters internally.
Probably urgent need for her to talk to her Union (or equiv) rep and /or professional body at work in the NHS so see how to prevent risk of the job loss you mentioned in your OP if case went to court.
Does anyone know of a good solicitor in this area?
I think one or two have been mentioned on this forum before, hopefully someone will post soon with info as I can't recall the firms concerned at this stage.
You can write and ask again, this is not the end of the road. Was the letter from Southern/GTR or from a third party?
Both letters were from Govia Prosecutions Department.
Thanks. Probably worth writing again then. As for a solicitor, most trade unions can provide legal assistance for their members so that is a good place to start. You really don't need a specialist just a criminal defence solicitor but you have to take into account that if this does go to court the result is likely to be a guilty verdict.
Thank you. search on the internet.
Ah yes, I found the mention now - made by @yorkie as per this:
penmansedgwick.com
Thank you.Ah yes, I found the mention now - made by @yorkie as per this:
"I recommend Penman Sedgwick based purely on the experience of other forum members. I have no connection with this company and have not met them personally."
Fare Evasion - Penman Sedgwick
So they might be worth a try if you are searching for a firm.
Haywain's idea of writing again also seems worthwhile (can't be any harm). Again impressing severe remorse, a promise not to evade payment of fares again, and a desire to make amends via a settlement without going to court.
And of course the check with union or staff professional body both for potential help and to understand the consequences with regard to work.
Good luck with this.
Be aware that the firm suggested above will likely be expensive and in no position to secure a not guilty verdict based on what we know already, namely that:
A settlement can be obtained right up to the point of going into the court room and you might be best just approaching the prosecutor on the day to ask about a settlement if it gets as far as court. As with another letter, you have nothing to lose.
@Haywain makes a good point about cost. It may be that you should also contact some local to you criminal defence solicitors to see what costs they offer by comparison. (Edit: useful link posted below in thread on easy way to search for them)
