Sample submissions to court - Pleading guilty

 This is a sample of basic submissions to a court when you are pleading guilty. It is not legal advice.

For more information on preparing submissions like this, see Checklist: Your submissions.

If you need more help, call LawAccess NSW.

To the Presiding Magistrate
Parramatta Local Court

I am very sorry for the offence before the court.

On 26 June 2014, I was travelling home from TAFE. I took the 5.14pm western line train from Central Station to Harris Park Station, as I do every day. I arrived at Harris Park at about 5:44pm. When I was about to go through the gates to leave the station, I looked in my bag for my ticket. I was emptying my bag when the Transit Officers approached me. The first officer asked me for my ticket. I explained to him that I couldn't find my ticket, but I had purchased a weekly ticket on Monday morning as I do every week. The second officer said it was an offence to travel on the train without a ticket. I tried to explain that I had bought a ticket and that I would never travel without a ticket.

The transit officers said there was nothing they could do and issued me with a fine for $200.00 for "Travelling without a valid ticket".

I am currently doing a Diploma of Hospitality Management at Ultimo TAFE. I am in my 2 ^nd year, and have one more year to go.

I am not currently working and am receiving Youth Allowance. I receive $388.70 per fortnight. From this money I pay $37.00 per fortnight for my train ticket, $160.00 per fortnight for rent and $49.00 for my prepaid mobile. I am left with approximately $141.00 per fortnight for food, my bills and spending. I do not have any assets. My liabilities include: rent, TAFE fees, and a credit card with a balance of approximately $500.00.

I have never been in trouble with the police or any transit officers, and I have never been to court.

I have been involved with a local youth group in my area for about 2 years. We take part in fundraisers and every Easter and Christmas we help out at a homeless shelter by serving food.

I do not know what happened to my ticket and I accept that I should have been able to produce it when the transit officer asked to see it. I would never have intentionally travelled without a valid ticket.

I ask that the court consider the circumstances of the offence, my financial situation and my clear record and show leniency by waiving the fine.

Yours sincerely

Radha J. Das

Radha Das
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