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Best Lawyers For Stealing or Larceny Offences Sunshine Coast, QLD
‘Stealing’ is simply the act of taking something that belongs to another person without their consent. It could be any item – a car, jewellery, books, an animal.
In Australian law stealing can happen in many different ways, with varying degrees of seriousness.
Shoplifting and Fraud are two such examples: both involve stealing, but have very different characteristics and associated penalties.
Shoplifting
Shoplifting charges relate to taking, eating or drinking something in or from a shop without paying for it. Shoplifting also encompasses swapping or removing labels in order to pay a lower price for an item. Leaving a restaurant or hotel without paying is also considered shoplifting.
If the value of the item is under $150 the penalty may include a fine of up to $800, while offences that include items totalling more than $150 in value may involve penalties of up to 5 years in prison.
Fraud
Fraud charges relate to dishonestly obtaining goods, property, money or services by not telling the truth. Penalties for Fraud can include up to 10 years in prison.
Examples of fraud include Centrelink Fraud (such as claiming benefits you are not entitled to) or Tax Fraud (such as intentionally failing to declare taxable income).
Burglary
Burglary is also a type of stealing; it involves entering someone’s property with the intention to steal. Burglary attracts a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison but can also lead to life imprisonment if conditions for aggravated burglary charges are met (such as having weapons involved).
No matter what your circumstance, if you find yourself facing a stealing offence in Queensland you should contact Smith Criminal Law immediately for expert legal advice and representation.
Smith Criminal Law: Your Expert Lawyers For Stealing And Shoplifting Charges Queensland
At Smith Criminal Law we have extensive experience defending criminal charges. We work tirelessly to ensure you receive quality representation and attain a just, fair outcome in your matter.