Theft & Property Offences
Property offence allegations can affect employment, reputation and future opportunities. Understanding the allegation and the process helps you respond thoughtfully.
Theft and related allegations may involve retail settings, workplaces, vehicles or personal disputes. The value alleged and the circumstances can influence how a matter proceeds, but each case still turns on its facts.
An early conversation can help clarify the stage of the matter and the questions that deserve attention before further steps are taken.
Understandingthe allegation.
Property offences cover a range of allegations about taking, possessing or dealing with property without lawful authority. Labels such as shoplifting or possession of stolen property describe different factual patterns.
Civil demands or store correspondence sometimes appear alongside criminal allegations. Those processes are not always the same thing, and should be discussed carefully.
Common situationsand charges.
Indicative examples only. The firm will confirm which matters it handles.
- 01Shoplifting or retail theft allegations
- 02Allegations involving workplace property
- 03Possession of stolen property concerns
- 04Matters involving more than one alleged incident
- 05Questions about diversion or alternative resolutions where available
What may happenduring the legal process.
- 01
Identify the allegation, the alleged value where known, and the current stage.
- 02
Retain any notices you have received for discussion — without uploading them to the form.
- 03
Discuss general next steps and information that may be needed.
- 04
If representation proceeds, confirm scope and fees in writing.
Questions to discusswith a lawyer.
- 01What is alleged to have been taken or possessed?
- 02Have you received a charge, appearance notice or store correspondence?
- 03Is employment or professional licensing potentially affected?
- 04Are there prior related matters that may be relevant to discuss later?
How an initialconsultation works.
- 01. Keep the initial message brief and general.
- 02. Do not send receipts, CCTV stills or admission statements through the form.
- 03. Mention if there is an upcoming court date.
Related criminaldefence services.
- 07 · FraudGuidance for individuals facing fraud allegations, financial investigations and other alleged financial offences.Explore
- 01 · Criminal DefenceInformation and representation concerning criminal allegations, investigations and court proceedings, with attention to the specific circumstances of each matter.Explore
- 05 · Bail HearingsInformation and representation relating to bail hearings, release conditions, reviews and applications to vary conditions where available.Explore
Commonquestions.
General information only — not legal advice for your situation.
Is shoplifting always treated the same way?
No. Circumstances, alleged value and local process can differ. A consultation can help explain what may apply without guaranteeing a path or result.
Should I pay a civil demand letter?
Civil correspondence and criminal process are not always the same. Consider obtaining advice before responding or paying.
Will this affect my job?
Employment consequences depend on the workplace, the allegation and the outcome of any process. A lawyer can help you think about the questions to raise, without predicting results.
Assignments are proposed and pending confirmation.
Discuss your theft &property offences matter.
Tell us briefly about your criminal matter. A member of the firm can review your enquiry and contact you to discuss whether and how we may be able to help. Sending an enquiry does not create a lawyer-client relationship.