Tv licence summons,i want to plead not guily

Storck

If you have only just bought the freeview/digibox, and you weren't watching live TV at the time plead not-guilty, as you claim you are, and then argue your case in court. Ask them if they got you letter you sent and get a full copy of your file off them to check what else is in there. When/If it goes to court ask for the person who came to your home to be called as a witness so you can question them about the differences etc. It might put them off following through with the case if they have to send people to court etc.

bluecatblue

about five years ago, i brought my first flat, with all the moving and sorting out, i forgot to buy at tv license, anyway cut a long story short i had a court summonds, i pleaded guilty by post (all on the forms), when the hearing was finished, i was notified, and fined £650 and had to buy a tv license, i paid it back by paying the court £21 a month for years! (this was worked out based on my financial situation), lesson learnt, always make sure i have one now pay by direct debit.

spender

I think that there may be a major problem in the fact that the OP signed the statement giving the facts agreeing to them. Whatever the rights or wrongs to challenge it now surely they are going to say "but you signed the statement" you must of read what was written? (I do doubt whether you did read it properly because of being flustered, so I do feel for you)

boliston

This all sounds a bit worrying as the OP sounds totally innocent going by what they told the TVL inspector and it sounds like the statement has been fabricated to make the OP look guilty. It is perfectly legal to own a TV or freeview box without a licence as there is only "guilt" if live broadcasts are actually watched.

Unless the OP actually TOLD the inspector they had watched live broadcasts without a licence OR the inspector actually CAUGHT the OP watching a live broadcast then I can't see there can be a valid claim of guilt. I would certainly stand my ground if I felt that a claim of guilt had been fabricated. Another thing to remember is that the criminal record is far worse than the fine in the long term, so the idea of pleading guilty in the hope of a low fine is not a good idea as a criminal record is a criminal record and I would fight it tooth & nail if need be even If I risked a higher fine if I lost.

The_One_Who

I'm not a lawyer, but from a layperson's perspective I would be concerned about the 'panicked lie' and how that could turn out. It can be proven that the OP was lying on one count, what's to say they haven't lied on the others? Also that the interview statement has been signed (did you not read it?) could be the nail in the coffin for that.

If I were you I would pay the fine. Accept that you did wrong and just get on with things.

boliston

The_One_Who wrote: »

I'm not a lawyer, but from a layperson's perspective I would be concerned about the 'panicked lie' and how that could turn out. It can be proven that the OP was lying on one count, what's to say they haven't lied on the others? Also that the interview statement has been signed (did you not read it?) could be the nail in the coffin for that.

If I were you I would pay the fine. Accept that you did wrong and just get on with things.

The trouble is that this is not just like getting a speeding ticket - a TV licence fine means you will have a CRIMINAL RECORD which will need to be declared on job applications and a host of other forms.

Swan_2

inconfidence wrote:

i am still confused as to the official line on tvs and use of tv's and what needs to be covered, citizen advice bureau and a solicitor i had a brief chat with both said that a tv with the capability of receiving live tv needs to be covered, yet there are countless sources online saying there has to be evidence of watching live TV, anyway ive just signed up to a tv licence so's to cover all grounds from now on

ckerrd wrote: »

Shame that both the CAB and your solicitor have given the wrong advice in this instance

it's more than a shame, it's absolutely outrageous that organisations & professional people Joe Public should be able to trust are giving out false information

sagalout1954

If you enter a written guilty plea you can save yourself the trouble of writing anything about your mitigating circumstances, very little time will be wasted by the clerk of the court reading out your statement, (they are pretty expert at speed reading), the Magistrates will simply find you guilty, award costs and then levy their fine on top.

JohalaReewi

So on the date of the alleged offence, you didn't have a freeview box and had not been watching live TV, just using the TV to play games and watch DVDs?

The question in court will be "Why does the signed statement say you were watching live TV?". Better have a good answer.

The problem with signing things from TVL is they present them as a signed confession (bit like the spanish inquisition) which is what you will be up against in court.

boliston

There is a good link for TV licencing info & dealing with inspectors, courts etc here http://www.televisionlicence.info/