VIC Shoplifting and Theft - Will I be Charged?

[Charly]

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

 

[Rod]

See legal aid after the charges are sent to you.

 

[Tony Danos]

You should get a lawyer but unlikely legal aid will assist as not serious enough for them.

 

[Charly]

Thanks to both of you. How does a person on a pension get a lawyer?

 

[Tony Danos]

It is difficult and a problem with the legal system and reduction in legal aid. I give free first consultations.

 

[Harshal Sheth]

Hi,

I have charge for shoplifting back in 2010 in NSW and the court gave me a 2-year good behaviour bond.

I have never get in problems again after that and now is it very difficult to find a job with such a criminal record? is there any chance I can remove the record from my national police check ?

 

[Harshal Sheth]

You should get a lawyer but unlikely legal aid will assist as not serious enough for them.

Criminal Record | LawAnswers.com.au

 

[Tony Danos]

In Victoria, court records are not expunged ie they remain on the record forever.

 

[Harshal Sheth]

In Victoria, court records are not expunged ie they remain on the record forever.

do you know about NSW?

 

[Tony Danos]

No