CABoodle

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CABoodle
North West Leicestershire Citizens Advice
Bureaus Advice and Information Site for Young
People in Leicestershire
About Citizens Advice
What We Can Do For You
Contact Us
Volunteering
Housing
Employment
Benefits
Money
Consumer
Legal
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The Principles of CAB Advice
Independent we will always act in the interests
of our clients, without influence from any
outside bodies
Impartial we dont judge our clients or make
assumptions about them. Our service is open to
everyone, and we treat everyone equally
Confidential we wont pass on anything a client
tells us or even the fact that theyve visited
us without their permission
Free no-one has to pay for any part of the
service we provide
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The Citizens Advice service has been helping
people since 1939
It is the largest advice-giving network in the
UK, regularly providing advice from nearly 3,400
locations. We help people deal with nearly 5.3
million new problems every year, in bureaux, by
phone and email, at outreach sessions in places
like GP surgeries and courts CAB advice is free,
impartial, independent, confidential and
provided by trained volunteers. The CAB service
is known by 96 per of the public and 41 per cent
of has used us at some point in their lives. The
advice we give is the first in the advice sector
to be audited for the quality of the advice given
to clients. CAB advice is available to everyone
regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual
orientation, age or nationality. Every Citizens
Advice Bureau is a registered charity reliant on
trained volunteers and funds to continue
providing this vital service to local communities.
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What We Can Do For You

• There are a number of different ways that we can
  helpyou to resolve a problem. We dont tell you
  what to do, but explain your options and the
  possible outcomes of different courses of
  action. You are encouraged to make your own
  decisions and act on your own behalf.We enable
  you to manage your own problems by focusing on
  your needs as an individual.
• We can
• interview you face-to-face and by phone to find
  out what the problem is.
• access our regularly updated electronic
  information database for up to the minute
  information.
• help you to negotiate with companies or service
  providers such as creditors or to appeal against
  decisions, for example, social security benefit
  claims.
• write letters or phone companies and service
  providers on your behalf.
• help you prioritise your problems, for example,
  to sort out which debts are most important
• help you with form filling, for example, to
  claim for social security benefits
• refer you to CAB specialist caseworkers for
  complex problems or to other agencies when
  appropriate.

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Contact Us
Paula Tobin - Young Persons Adviser North West
Leicestershire Citizens Advice Bureau 87 Belvoir
Road, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 3PH Phone
01530 454751 E-mail ypanwlcab_at_tiscali.co.uk
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Housing
Will I have to pay a deposit if I want to rent a
flat?
At what age can I leave home?
The shower in my flat doesnt work properly. Ive
told the landlord but he hasnt done anything
about itshould I pay to get it fixed and take it
out of next months rent?
Ive been sleeping on a friends sofa for a
couple of weeksdoes this mean Im homeless? Will
the council help me?
What is housing benefit?
Ask CABoodle
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Will I have to pay a deposit if I want to rent a
flat?
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You will nearly always be asked for a deposit
and this will usually be the same as one month's
rent. If you damage any property or do not pay
the rent the landlord may keep some or all of
this amount.
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At what age can I leave home?
The legal age for leaving home without parent's
permission is 18. But in most cases no legal
action will be taken if you are 16 or 17 and are
in no immediate danger.
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The shower in my flat doesnt work properly. Ive
told the landlord but he hasnt done anything
about itshould I pay to get it fixed and take it
out of next months rent?
No, pay your full rent as usual. Inform your
landlord in writing that it is his responsibility
to arrange a plumber and to pay for getting it
fixed. Whether your landlord is responsible for
repairing other items, like the cooker or fridge,
will depend on the tenancy.
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Ive been sleeping on a friends sofa for a
couple of weeksdoes this mean Im homeless? Will
the council help me?
You are homeless, but not necessarily in what the
council calls 'priority need'. This will depend
on your particular circumstances
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What is housing benefit?
Housing benefit is the name given to the
government scheme, which helps people to pay
their rent. It cannot be paid to owner-occupiers
to help pay their mortgage - help for this may be
possible from income support or income-based
jobseeker's allowance.
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Employment
What are my main employment rights? I work
part-time, am I entitled to paid holiday? What
is the national minimum wage? Is it right for my
boss to sack me because Im pregnant? What is
Work Based Learning? Im gay and Im being
harassed by my colleagues. Ive talked to my
employer but he hasnt done anything. What do I
do? I got into trouble with the police when I
was younger. Im applying for a job - do I need
to tell my employer of my criminal record?
Ask CABoodle
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What are my main employment rights?
Most employees are entitled to a pay slip, a
written statement of terms and conditions, the
minimum wage, holidays and statutory sick pay,
plus maternity leave. There are other rights in
addition to these that could also apply to you.
Part-time workers are entitled to the same
rights as full-time employees, but usually on a
pro-rata basis. An employment contract can only
increase your rights, and cannot take away your
statutory rights, even if youve signed it. All
employees who have worked for their employer for
at least two months are entitled by law to a
'written statement of their terms and conditions
of employment'. This should set out what your
role is and what is expected of you.
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I work part-time, am I entitled to paid holiday?
All full-time workers are entitled to 4 weeks
paid holiday per year, Part-time workers are
entitled to paid holiday on a pro-rata basis i.e.
If your working week is 5 days you get 20 days a
year paid holiday while if you work 2 days a week
your get 8 days holiday a year and so on. You are
entitled to take annual paid leave from the first
day of employment. However there is no general
right to bank holidays and public holidays. There
are exceptions to this if you work for the armed
forces, police and in various offshore jobs.
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What is the national minimum wage?
The National Minimum Wage for anyone aged 22 or
over is 5.35 per hour. For those aged 18 to 21
(or over 21 but in the first six months of a new
job with a new employer and receiving accredited
training), the rate is 4.45.For workers aged
16-17 the rate is 3.30 per hour.
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Is it right for my boss to sack me because Im
pregnant?
If your employer dismisses you because of your
pregnancy you can make a claim to an Employment
Tribunal for automatic unfair dismissal,
regardless of how long you have been employed.
You can also make a claim for sex discrimination.
You must be able to show an Employment Tribunal
that the main reason for your dismissal was your
pregnancy. You will need special help to do this.
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What are my main employment rights?
What are my main employment rights?
Most employees are entitled to a pay slip, a
written statement of terms and conditions, the
minimum wage, holidays and statutory sick pay,
plus maternity leave. There are other rights in
addition to these that could also apply to you.
Part-time workers are entitled to the same
rights as full-time employees, but usually on a
pro-rata basis. An employment contract can only
increase your rights, and cannot take away your
statutory rights, even if youve signed it. All
employees who have worked for their employer for
at least two months are entitled by law to a
'written statement of their terms and conditions
of employment'. This should set out what your
role is and what is expected of you.
Most employees are entitled to a pay slip, a
written statement of terms and conditions, the
minimum wage, holidays and statutory sick pay,
plus maternity leave. There are other rights in
addition to these that could also apply to you.
Part-time workers are entitled to the same
rights as full-time employees, but usually on a
pro-rata basis. An employment contract can only
increase your rights, and cannot take away your
statutory rights, even if youve signed it. All
employees who have worked for their employer for
at least two months are entitled by law to a
'written statement of their terms and conditions
of employment'. This should set out what your
role is and what is expected of you.
I work part-time, am I entitled to paid holiday?
I work part-time, am I entitled to paid holiday?
All full-time workers are entitled to 4 weeks
paid holiday per year, Part-time workers are
entitled to paid holiday on a pro-rata basis i.e.
If your working week is 5 days you get 20 days a
year paid holiday while if you work 2 days a week
your get 8 days holiday a year and so on. You are
entitled to take annual paid leave from the first
day of employment. However there is no general
right to bank holidays and public holidays. There
are exceptions to this if you work for the armed
forces, police and in various offshore jobs.
All full-time workers are entitled to 4 weeks
paid holiday per year, Part-time workers are
entitled to paid holiday on a pro-rata basis i.e.
If your working week is 5 days you get 20 days a
year paid holiday while if you work 2 days a week
your get 8 days holiday a year and so on. You are
entitled to take annual paid leave from the first
day of employment. However there is no general
right to bank holidays and public holidays. There
are exceptions to this if you work for the armed
forces, police and in various offshore jobs.
What is the national minimum wage?
What is the national minimum wage?
The National Minimum Wage for anyone aged 22 or
over is 5.35 per hour. For those aged 18 to 21
(or over 21 but in the first six months of a new
job with a new employer and receiving accredited
training), the rate is 4.45.For workers aged
16-17 the rate is 3.30 per hour.
The National Minimum Wage for anyone aged 22 or
over is 5.35 per hour. For those aged 18 to 21
(or over 21 but in the first six months of a new
job with a new employer and receiving accredited
training), the rate is 4.45.For workers aged
16-17 the rate is 3.30 per hour.
Is it right for my boss to sack me because Im
pregnant?
If your employer dismisses you because of your
pregnancy you can make a claim to an Employment
Tribunal for automatic unfair dismissal,
regardless of how long you have been employed.
You can also make a claim for sex discrimination.
You must be able to show an Employment Tribunal
that the main reason for your dismissal was your
pregnancy. You will need special help to do this.
If your employer dismisses you because of your
pregnancy you can make a claim to an Employment
Tribunal for automatic unfair dismissal,
regardless of how long you have been employed.
You can also make a claim for sex discrimination.
You must be able to show an Employment Tribunal
that the main reason for your dismissal was your
pregnancy. You will need special help to do this.
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What is Work Based Learning?
This is a government scheme providing training
for 16 and 17 year olds. The training must result
in an NVQ Level 2 qualification and it can be
provided by a variety of organisations. 16 and 17
year olds are paid a training allowance or wage.
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Im gay and Im being harassed by my colleagues.
Ive talked to my employer but he hasnt done
anything. What do I do?
It is unlawful to discriminate or harass
employees because of their sexual orientation.
Your employer is responsible for the actions of
their staff, as well as staff being responsible
for their own behaviour in the workplace. If your
boss is not taking this seriously, raise a
grievance with him/her, which must be in writing,
and be signed and dated. You can also claim for
discrimination to an employment tribunal, but
the grievance should be made first.
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I got into trouble with the police when I was
younger. Im applying for a job - do I need to
tell my employer of my criminal record?
You must declare a prison sentence of more than
two and a half years (or an equivalent period of
youth detention or custody) if you are asked
about any criminal record by an employer. This
applies to a suspended or partially suspended
sentence, too. The time of the sentence is the
length of the original sentence that counts, not
how long you spent in custody. You must declare
any conviction if youre applying for a job that
deals with children or vulnerable adults. However
if youre not, there are some offences that do
not have to be declared after a certain period of
time has passed. If this is the case, your
conviction is considered to be spent and does
not have to be declared, even if your employer
asks you about your criminal record.
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Money
What is a P45? What is PAYE and what does it
mean? What is a personal allowance? I am a
student at university and work throughout the
holidays do I have to pay tax? When do I start
having to pay my student loan back? I am about
to go to university. How can I prevent getting
myself into debt? My debts are getting out of
hand and I cant repay them all. What should I
do? What are priority and non-priority debts?
Ask CABoodle
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What is a P45?
A P45 is a tax form which is given to you on the
last day of work by your employer. It shows the
amount you have been paid in the year, the amount
of tax deducted, your tax code and National
Insurance Number and the name of your tax office.
You need to give this to a new employer when
starting a new job or the benefit office if
claiming benefits.
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What is PAYE?
This stands for Pay As You Earn and is the way
in which all employees pay income tax. The Inland
Revenue tells your employer how much to deduct.
The employer must then take this amount from your
wages and send it to the Inland Revenue.
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What is a personal allowance?
A personal allowance, in terms of tax, is the
amount of money you are allowed to receive before
being taxed. Income Tax is only paid on the money
you get which is above this amount.
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I am a student at university and work throughout
the holidays do I have to pay tax?
Yes you have to pay tax. However you and your
employer could complete for P38S (available from
the tax office) which stops tax being deducted
under PAYE. It shows that all your earnings and
other income for the tax year will not go over
the total allowances you can claim.
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When do I start having to pay my student loan
back?
From September 2006 eligible full-time
undergraduate students will not have to pay fees
before they start university or whilst they are
studying. Students that had their Student Loan
for Fees only start to pay their loan back when
you are in work, earning 15,000 a year or over.
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I am about to go to university. How can I
prevent getting myself into debt?
Try not to get intimidated. Make sure you know
how much money you have coming in and how much
you need to have to pay off your bills, rent,
food, and general student expenses. You could
open up standing orders or direct debits to pay
your bills. If you have a job arrange for
payments to leave your account soon after your
pay date. Try to save some money for emergencies
etc. Be careful when using credit cards,
because you might end up paying a lot of interest
if youre not careful. Try to pay off your
balance every month on your credit cards. Also
dont run up overdrafts without talking to your
bank, otherwise you will be charged. Be careful
when taking out loans on top of your student
loans as you could find yourself in trouble if
you cant keep these repayments up.
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My debts are getting out of hand and I cant
repay them all. What should I do?
Dont ignore your debts. Contact the people or
organizations you owe money to and inform them of
your situation. Most of these organizations will
be helpful if you approach them first. You then
have to figure out which are priority and
non-priority debts. After that, work out how much
you can realistically afford to pay. Think about
whether you really want to take out a loan to
cover your debts, you might end up having to pay
more than you originally borrowed because of high
interest rates. Try to think of alternatives,
such as finding out if youre entitled to any
benefits or tax credit, or simply look carefully
at how much you are spending and if you can lower
the amount, before taking out a loan.
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What are priority and non-priority debts?
A priority debt is one that could have serious
results if not paid. Not paying your rent or
mortgage would leave you homeless, or not paying
your gas or electricity bills could leave you
being cut off and taken to court. It is not the
size of the debt that matters it is what can
happen to you that defines whether it is a
priority or a non-priority debt its not who
shouts loudest, but who hits hardest. The most
common priority debts are Council Tax arrears,
mortgage arrears, rent arrears and fuel arrears.
Non-priority debts are credit/debit card debts,
bank overdraft debts, and loans from
friends/family. If you have priority and
non-priority debts, the priority debts must be
dealt with first.
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Benefits
Do I still get Child Tax Benefit even though
Im working? Im at school and receive EMA if I
get a part-time job will I stop getting it? Im
unemployed, what benefits can I claim? How can I
qualify for Council Tax Benefit? Im a student,
can I receive Housing Benefit? I work part-time,
should I be taxed? Whats a P60? How much
money can I get from JSA?
Ask CABoodle
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Do I still get Child Tax Credits even though Im
working?
Yes, Child Tax Credit (CTC) is available whether
you are working or not as long as youre
responsible for a child or young person, and have
an income below a certain amount.
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Im still at school and get EMA if I get a
part-time job will I still receive it?
Yes, Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is not
based on what you earn, but your parents (or
adults responsible for you) household income.
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Im unemployed, what benefits can I claim?
If you are unemployed, but you are able to work,
then you should make an application to claim Job
Seekers Allowance. You will need to show that you
are available for, and actively seeking
employment and you will be expected to attend the
Job Centre fortnightly to sign on. However, if
you are under 18, then you will only receive JSA
if the decision maker decides that you satisfy
certain conditions.
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What requirements do I need to apply for Council
Tax Benefit?
To qualify you need to be on a low income and
have less than 16,000 in savings. Your local
authority will make the decision based on your
personal circumstances.
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Im a student, can I receive Housing Benefit?
Most full time students cannot claim at any time
during the course, including the summer holidays,
but there are exceptions. Ask your council for
more information.
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I work part-time, should I be taxed?
You shouldnt be taxed unless you earn over 88 a
week.
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Whats a P60?
Your employer provides this form, which shows
details of your earnings and tax deductions for
the current year. The law requires you to keep a
record of your taxable income for at least 22
months after the end of the current tax year.
Those who are self-employed should keep records
for up to six years after the end of the tax year.
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How much money can I get from JSA?
The amount varies due to the situation. If
you're single and between 16 and 17, you will get
35.65 a week. If you're single and between 18
and 24, you will get46.85 a week. If you have
children you will be eligible for more - for
example if you're 18 or over you will get 59.15
a week.
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Consumer
I bought a top in the sale only to find a small
hole in the back. I tried to take it back but the
shop assistant said that because it was in the
sale I couldnt get a refund. Is this true? I
bought an MP3 player from a shop and a week later
it stopped working. I took it back but the shop
assistant said Id have to talk to the
manufacturer. Is this true? If I buy something
from the Internet, do I have the same rights as
if I had bought it from a shop?
Ask CABoodle
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I bought a top in a sale only to find a small
hole at the back. I tried to take it back but the
shop assistant said that because it was in the
sale I couldnt get a refund is this true?
This isnt true. Unless the hole was pointed out
to you before you bought it, you will still have
rights under the Sales of Goods Act, and should
be able to get a refund.
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I bought an MP3 Player from a shop and week
later it stopped working. I tried to take it back
but the shop assistant said Id have to talk to
the manufacturer is this true?
No, because you bought the MP3 player from the
shop, your contract is with them and not the
manufacturer. If it has broken you have rights
under the Sales of Goods Act as it was not of a
satisfactory quality. You are entitled to a
refund or an exchange from the shop.
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If I buy something from the Internet, do I have
the same rights as if I had bought it from a shop?
Yes, although you will probably have to contact
them by phone or in writing if you have a
problem. Make sure you keep a copy of all letters
you do write, send a photocopy of your receipt
(keep the original), and if you talk to someone
on the phone get the name of person you speak to.
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Legal
Can I learn to drive now Im 16? I want to
move mobile networks. Can I cancel my 12 month
contract? Ive just moved into a house but Im
still getting the post addressed to the old
residents. What should I do with it? My friend
borrowed his parents car last night, after a few
drinks. When he crashed the car into a wall, I
ran off. But as I was only the passenger, it
doesnt matter, right?
Ask CABoodle
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Can I learn to drive now I'm 16?
It is illegal to drive on a public road in the
UK until you are 17 and have a provisional
licence. You may drive on private land without a
licence, but be careful - make sure the land is
private before you drive on it.
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I want to move mobile networks. Can I cancel my
12-month contract?
Youll need to contact your current mobile
network and ask. However the chances are that if
theyre prepared to cancel you contract, theyll
expect you to pay them compensation, which might
end up being the same as the cost of the 12 month
contract! You could try reducing the tariff on
your existing network to the lowest possible rate
until the 12 months is up.
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Ive just moved in to a new house and keep
getting post addressed to the old residents. What
should I do with it?
It is an offence to open, destroy, hide or delay
any post that is addressed to someone else. Post
cannot be opened if someone knows or reasonably
suspects the post has been incorrectly delivered.
You should deliver the post by hand to the
correct address if possible re-post in a post
box or hand to a postal worker.
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My friend borrowed his parents car last night,
after a few drinks. When he crashed the car into
a wall, I ran off. But as I was only the
passenger, it doesnt matter, right?
If your friend was driving under the influence
of alcohol, he has broken the law. As for you,
travelling in a car which you know to have been
taken without the owners consent is also a
criminal offence, as is leaving the scene of an
accident. You may be facing prosecution if the
police trace you. It is recommended that you seek
advice from a solicitor dealing in criminal law
as soon as possible.
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Can I learn to drive now I'm 16?
It is illegal to drive on a public road in the
UK until you are 17 and have a provisional
licence. You may drive on private land without a
licence, but be careful - make sure the land is
private before you drive on it.
I want to move mobile networks. Can I cancel my
12-month contract?
Youll need to contact your current mobile
network and ask. However the chances are that if
theyre prepared to cancel you contract, theyll
expect you to pay them compensation, which might
end up being the same as the cost of the 12 month
contract! You could try reducing the tariff on
your existing network to the lowest possible rate
until the 12 months is up.
Ive just moved in to a new house and keep
getting post addressed to the old residents. What
should I do with it?
It is an offence to open, destroy, hide or delay
any post that is addressed to someone else. Post
cannot be opened if someone knows or reasonably
suspects the post has been incorrectly delivered.
You should deliver the post by hand to the
correct address if possible re-post in a post
box or hand to a postal worker.
My friend borrowed his parents car last night,
after a few drinks. When he crashed the car into
a wall, I ran off. But as I was only the
passenger, it doesnt matter, right?
If your friend was driving under the influence
of alcohol, he has broken the law. As for you,
travelling in a car which you know to have been
taken without the owners consent is also a
criminal offence, as is leaving the scene of an
accident. You may be facing prosecution if the
police trace you. It is recommended that you seek
advice from a solicitor dealing in criminal law
as soon as possible.