What sort of penalty would a magistrates court give me for the following shoplifting charges? CCTV footage was found of me shoplifting from the same store over a period of approx 1 year, about 10 different times, approx $2000 worth of goods. I did it to support a heroin habit.
I have a mental illness that is not helped with regular medication but heroin makes it better. I was suffering schizophrenia and not coping well at all. I am now drug free and havent broken the law since then. This is the first time l have been charged with shoplifting and only been in trouble with the law once many years ago not regarding theft.
I have not been charged yet but if/when l am will l be charged with 10 offences? Do you have an idea what the penalty might be? And also how can l get legal help if lm on a pension?
Thanks kindly
