WA Charged with Shoplifting - Do I Need to Attend Court?
- Thread starter mumsy
- Start date
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- Tags
- shoplifting theft
If you've received a court document requiring you to attend court, then you must attend court.
Even if you intend to plead guilty, you should get legal advice from a lawyer, or if you don't have the money, try Legal Aid, as shoplifting is still a criminal matter and you should take it very seriously and be cautious to minimise your risk of receiving a more severe penalty.
Even if you intend to plead guilty, you should get legal advice from a lawyer, or if you don't have the money, try Legal Aid, as shoplifting is still a criminal matter and you should take it very seriously and be cautious to minimise your risk of receiving a more severe penalty.
Hi mumsy,
I agree with Michael. You should always seek legal advice before your court hearing and ask your lawyer to communicate with the prosecution on your behalf. Even if you end up with a conviction, depending on the circumstances of your case and what you are charged with, Judges have discretion as to the penalty that they apply, sometimes including whether to record the conviction. This can have a significant bearing on you later applying for jobs and so on. So do seek legal advice!
I agree with Michael. You should always seek legal advice before your court hearing and ask your lawyer to communicate with the prosecution on your behalf. Even if you end up with a conviction, depending on the circumstances of your case and what you are charged with, Judges have discretion as to the penalty that they apply, sometimes including whether to record the conviction. This can have a significant bearing on you later applying for jobs and so on. So do seek legal advice!