Theft and dishonesty offences
The Theft Act 1968, Theft Act 1978, and Fraud Act 2006
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Robbery
A robbery is committed when a person steals property from another using or threatening force.
Sentence
The maximum sentence for robbery is life imprisonment. All cases must be dealt with in the Crown Court unless you are a youth.
Burglary
An offence of burglary is committed when a person either:
Enters a building as a trespasser with the intention to steal property, cause unlawful damage or inflict grievous bodily harm on another person; or,
When entering a property as a trespasser, they steal/attempt to steal, or attempt to inflict grievous bodily harm.
There are generally three categories of burglary;- domestic (homes where people live), non-domestic (offices, shops, units, warehouses, businesses etc), and aggravated burglary (when the offender has in their possession a firearm, imitation firearm, weapon or explosive device at the time of the burglary).
Burglary cases rely on forensic evidence, such as DNA analysis, fingerprints, footprint, facial mapping, and cell site of mobile phones. We work closely with the leading experts in these fields.
Sentence
Dwelling Burglary – Up to 14 years imprisonment.
Non- Dwelling Burglary – Up to 10 years imprisonment.
Aggravated Burglary – Up to life imprisonment.
A mandatory minimum sentence of 3 years imprisonment applies to anyone convicted of a third domestic / dwelling burglary committed after 30th November 1999.
Theft
An offence of theft is committed if a person dishonestly appropriates property belonging to another, with an intention to permanently deprive the person of their property.
Offences of theft include stealing from shops (shoplifting), stealing from employers, taking a motor vehicle without consent (TWOC) and conspiracy to steal.
Sentence
Theft – Up to 7 years imprisonment.
Defences
Most defences are fact specific to each case, however, typical defences are to deny the theft, deny dishonest intent, or deny the intention to permanently deprive. In these types of cases, it is not always obvious which defence applies, it is therefore imperative you seek professional and expert advice from us.
If you are being investigated or prosecuted for any theft / dishonesty offences, please get in touch with our specialist team.