Most of the property offences heard in the Magistrates' Court and County Court are prosecuted under the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic). The Crimes Act covers the field for most of our State property offences.
For anyone facing a charge of theft an overview of the law is a good staring point and will assist in the provision of legal advice tailored to the circumstances of the case.
What is theft at law? What must be proved? In this article we'll discuss the elements penalties and defences.
Table of Contents
Various Forms of Dishonesty Offences
There are various forms of dishonesty offences prosecuted under Commonwealth & State legislation.
Our courts hear prosecutions for property offences contained in Federal legislation, such as taxation offences, corporate crime, and welfare fraud, to name but a few.
The quantum of property alleged to have been stolen, or otherwise misappropriated will determine the Court that will hear and determine the offence.
Property offences of $100,000 or less can be heard in the Magistrates' Court. Offences involving an alleged quantum greater than $100,000 will be heard in the County Court.
Handle Stolen Goods is often utilized by the police, as an alternative offence to theft given the common element of goods alleged to have been stolen.
Theft is an indictable offence, and is prosecuted under section 74 of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic)
The Elements of Theft
The prosecution must produce evidence that establishes the following elements beyond reasonable doubt:
a person has dishonestly appropriated property.
the property appropriated belongs to another person.
property was appropriated intentionally and to permanently deprive the other person of it.
the person appropriating the property did so without lawful excuse.
Section 73 of the Act provide a further explanation as to the element of dishonesty.
What is the Penalty for Theft in Victoria?
Under section 74 of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic) a person found guilty of Theft is liable to a penalty of imprisonment for 5 years (maximum).
Sentencing Outcomes for Theft
The offence of Theft is an indictable offence and where the property in question is less than $100,000 the case will be heard in the Magistrates’ Court.
Where the property value exceeds $100,000 jurisdictional limit, the case will be heard in the County Court.
The sentencing outcome for an offence of Theft will vary greatly from case to case depending upon the alleged criminality.
Despite the charge being an indictable offence, without conviction outcomes are available. As is the possibility of a Court diversion.
Much depends upon the seriousness of the offending before the Court. The gravity of an offence is frequently but not exclusively determined by the quantum of property stolen or misappropriated.
The sentencing options available to the court for the offence of theft include:
Unconditional dismissal (section 76 bond)
Fine
Imprisonment
As a guide the Sentencing Advisory Council has published the top 4 sentencing outcomes for the offence of theft (except for theft from shop) when it was heard and finalised in the Magistrates’ Court during the period 2016 – 2019:
Imprisonment – 44%
Community Correction Order – 25.5%
Fine – 14.9%
Adjourned undertaking/discharge/dismissal.
Defences to Theft Offence
An allegation of theft may be defended based on a factual dispute as to whether the prosecution can prove beyond reasonable doubt any of the elements set out above.
An element common to most property offences is dishonesty, and so in some cases an accused person may argue that they property was taken, but that they had a legal right do so. That is a defence might arise as to ownership of the property.
Conclusion
The penalties that can be imposed for the offence of Theft can vary greatly. Where the property value is at the lower end (say for example a theft from shop offence), a diversion may be available, especially for young first-time offenders.
If you are facing an allegation of theft, contact us to get the best get advice for your situation. We offer an initial free case assessment which includes an analysis of your matter and what needs to be done for the best possible outcome.