Failure to pay for a TV licence can result in a criminal punishment

Should failure to pay for a TV licence attract a criminal punishment?

We are specialists in criminal defence, based in Doncaster, and can help with any crime case you may have.

If we told you that nearly one in 10 prosecutions brought before the magistrates' courts in England and Wales last year was for non-payment of the TV licence fee would it surprise you?

Figures from the Ministry of Justice showed around 180,000 people received a criminal record for this offence and would have incurred a maximum fine of £1,000.

The TV licence currently costs £145.50 per annum. It is an offence not to pay a tax but the BBC has always denied that the licence fee is a tax…

The argument is whether failure to pay should actually be classed as a criminal offence.

Our Criminal Defence Solicitors can help if you are facing questions regards a wide range of crime matters.

In the first instance please call our crime team on Doncaster 01302 360606 and we'll see how we can help you. 

GV Hale & Co

Criminal Defence Solicitors

Barnsley, Doncaster, Scunthorpe, Sheffield