
Retail theft or shoplifting can be a serious crime. It is considered a crime if you do not pay for a commodity and take it without permission. Maybe you had forgotten to pay for a pack of chips or made a poor decision in the heat of the moment.
However, after the deed has been done, the most important question remains. How long will this whole ordeal last? Several aspects entail in this regard. However, in such situations, consulting a lawyer for shoplifting may be helpful. In this blog, we will explore the duration and the factors affecting it. So, let’s continue reading to find out more about this issue.
Several defences can be charged with shoplifting. They depend on the circumstances of the case. Some common ones include:
You had committed the crime under duress. If you had done the deed under the pressure of threat or violence, you could plead not guilty in court.
The shoplifting cases can take a lot of time to resolve completely. Mostly, it depends on the court calendar. The process begins when the accused is charged with an offence. They first hire a council and then proceed to the court summonings.
However, the accused does not have to go to the court and convey a non-guilty plea. Their lawyer can do it by mail, followed by a discovery process. The legal representative asks the store and their lawyer to provide their discovery.
For example, whether they can procure written or video proof of the incident. This may take a few weeks. Generally, such cases are resolved within 60-90 days, depending on how busy the courts are.
By pleading guilty to the action, the person is admitting that they intended to take another individual’s property. They had not informed the owner and intended to permanently deprive the person of their belongings. If you are found guilty under such circumstances, the consequences for shoplifting can be huge. The Criminal Code 2002 states that the local court can impose a penalty including:
In cases of minor thefts, if the alleged person is above 18 years of age, the charges can differ. Under Section 321 of the Crimes Act, the maximum penalty is:
The judiciary body can impose one or both of these together. In such cases, you can take the help of Robbery Lawyer Perth to represent you in court.
To prove you guilty, the prosecution needs to prove that:
The most common mistake is providing a written statement of guilt at the store. Individuals are not obligated to procure such statements. This document seals your fate even if the lawyers argue that their clients had done this under pressure. In such situations, you must leave the store personnel and the police with the burden to establish proof.
In conclusion, we would like to say that we have discussed all the crucial details associated with shoplifting. While waiting for such cases can be stressful, understanding the timelines can provide you peace of mind. Before the date to appear arrives, you must seek the help of an advocate.
Without their help, you can get a huge fine or even imprisonment. To guide you in such situations, you can get help from criminal defence lawyers. They can help you negotiate with the police or the Department of Public Prosecution. They often have a high success rate and help you have your changes discontinued or reduced.