Hi,
I'm 20 years old and tried applying for a Oyster card. However, there were problems with my application and it wasn't able to go through. Since I was starting college, I used my mums discounted Oyster card until I could sort it out. Through UCAS applications, job interview and exams, I didn't get much time to sort it out.
I used the card around 40ish times to go to and from college. I got caught one day by the inspector, panicked and said I picked up the wrong card. He took away the card and took my details. I didn't know they sent a letter until months later with a court date. Apparently, my mom received the letter and tried to fix it herself and emailed them saying it was her fault. I was only told when I got the court date.
I was just accepted to do nursing at university and said I didn't have any criminal convictions. I'm scared a conviction will affect my future prospects. I tried calling the solicitor named in the letter and ask him to settle when he informed me it was his team I needed to speak with and that settling might not be possible as it is a criminal conviction. But I don't understand how other people are able to settle but he's telling me I cannot.
If I enter a guilty plea by post, do I get a automatic criminal conviction?
Is there any way I can settle this outside of court?
I really want to avoid a criminal conviction but I am also not financially stable to hire a solicitor.
Any advice?