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Defend Property Offence Charges in Victoria
If you’ve been charged with, or are under investigation for, a property offence in Victoria, act quickly. Property crime allegations can affect your freedom, employment, financial stability, reputation, and future — even where the situation arose from misunderstanding, financial pressure, or disputed ownership.
At Pascoe Criminal Law, our Melbourne criminal defence lawyers regularly defend clients facing property offence charges across Victoria, from theft and shoplifting through to burglary, deception offences, and complex financial allegations.
Early legal advice can prevent mistakes that may permanently damage your case. Speak to an experienced property offence defence lawyer as soon as possible.
Get a Free Case Assessment
Contact us for a free, no-obligation case assessment. This includes:
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A review of your charges and court documents
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Clear advice on your legal options
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Guidance on achieving the best possible outcome
Simply fill out the form or call us on 03 9668 7600 — and we’ll get started on helping you right away.
We’re here to help you.
Specialist Defence Lawyers for Property Offence Charges in Victoria
Pascoe Criminal Law is a Melbourne-based criminal defence firm experienced in defending property offence charges across Victoria. We represent clients facing allegations ranging from theft and shoplifting to burglary, robbery, criminal damage, and fraud-related offences. If you are under investigation or facing property offence charges, contact our Melbourne criminal defence lawyers immediately.
Defending Property Offence Charges
Defending a property offence charge requires a careful, strategic approach. At Pascoe Criminal Law, we understand that many property offence allegations arise from complex circumstances such as financial disputes, workplace misunderstandings, relationship breakdowns, or situations where ownership or consent is unclear.
Our defence strategies may include:
Disproving the allegation
Presenting evidence such as CCTV footage, financial records, transaction history, digital communications, witness statements, or expert evidence to challenge the prosecution’s version of events.
Challenging intent
Many property offences require proof that the accused acted dishonestly or intended to permanently deprive the owner of property. If the prosecution cannot prove intent beyond reasonable doubt, the charge may fail.
Honest and reasonable claim of right
Demonstrating that the accused genuinely believed they had a legal right to the property. This defence can apply where ownership or entitlement is genuinely disputed.
Mistaken identity
Showing that the accused was not the person responsible for the alleged conduct, particularly in cases relying on CCTV footage or witness identification.
Ownership or financial dispute
In some matters, property offence allegations arise from disagreements over business dealings, financial arrangements, or personal property ownership.
A property offence charge can have serious consequences beyond the courtroom, including loss of employment, reputational damage, financial hardship, and strain on personal relationships. Early legal advice is critical to building a strong defence from the outset.
The Property Offence Charge Process in Victoria
The process can feel overwhelming if you’ve never been through it before. Property offence matters in Victoria typically progress through the following stages:
Complaint and police investigation
A complaint may be made by an individual, business, or employer. Police may gather CCTV footage, financial records, witness statements, or digital evidence before contacting you.
Police interview
Police may request a recorded interview. It is critical to obtain legal advice before deciding whether to participate or answer questions.
Charges laid and first court date
If police decide to charge you, the matter is listed for a filing hearing or first mention, usually in the Magistrates’ Court. Bail conditions may be imposed.
Contested hearing or early resolution
The matter may resolve early through negotiations, withdrawal of charges, or a plea. If contested, the case proceeds to a hearing where evidence is tested.
Sentencing outcome
If you plead guilty or are found guilty, the court will impose a sentence. This may include fines, community correction orders, or imprisonment depending on the charge and circumstances.
Appeal options
In some cases, appeals against conviction or sentence may be available.
Early legal advice can significantly influence the direction and outcome of a property offence matter.
How We Can Help
When you contact Pascoe Criminal Law, you’ll receive clear, practical advice and proactive defence from the very first call.
Urgent initial consultation
We review your property offence charge, explain the legal process, and advise on immediate next steps — including any upcoming police interview, bail conditions, or court date.
Focused defence strategy
Your defence is built around what matters most to you, whether that’s avoiding a conviction, protecting your employment, minimising penalties, or challenging the allegations entirely.
Transparent costs
You’ll receive a clear costs agreement upfront, so you know exactly where you stand from the outset.
Immediate action
Once instructed, we begin preparing your defence straight away — obtaining the prosecution brief, identifying weaknesses in the case, and dealing directly with police and prosecutors.
We have successfully defended property offence matters across Victoria, achieving outcomes such as charges being withdrawn, downgraded, dismissed, or resolved with more favourable sentencing outcomes.
Understanding the Legal Framework for Property Offences
Property offences in Victoria are governed primarily by the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic). These offences are defined by specific legal elements that the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt.
A proper defence requires a clear understanding of how the law applies to your circumstances.
Key legal concepts include:
Dishonesty and intent
Many property offences require proof that the accused acted dishonestly and intended to permanently deprive the owner of property.
Ownership and property rights
The prosecution must prove that the property belonged to another person and that the accused did not have lawful authority to deal with it.
Claim of right
A genuine belief that you had a legal right to the property may provide a defence.
Value of property
The value of the property may affect the seriousness of the charge and potential penalties.
Court jurisdiction
Less serious property offences are typically heard in the Magistrates’ Court, while more serious offences such as burglary or armed robbery may proceed to the County Court of Victoria.
Penalties, criminal records, and appeal rights
Property offence convictions can result in fines, community correction orders, or imprisonment and may affect employment, travel, and future opportunities.
Case Studies: Our Results in Property Offence Defence
Our firm has a track record of achieving positive outcomes for clients facing property and financial offence allegations across Victoria, including:
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Non-custodial outcome in family violence related financial advantage case
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Prosecution withdraws charge following romance scam allegation
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Property and family violence related offences – defence outcome
(Outcomes depend on the facts of each case. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.)
Courts We Appear In
We regularly appear in courts across Melbourne and Victoria defending clients facing property offence charges.
If you’re facing property offence charges in any of the above courts, our lawyers can represent you.
Checklist: What To Do If You’re Accused of a Property Offence
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Do not speak to police without legal advice
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Do not discuss the incident publicly or on social media
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Read all paperwork carefully and note court dates and bail conditions
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Gather any financial or documentary evidence that may support your account
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Seek urgent legal advice immediately
Glossary of Key Terms
Theft
Dishonestly taking property belonging to another person with the intention of permanently depriving them of it.
Burglary
Entering a building or part of a building with the intention of committing theft, assault, or property damage.
Robbery
Stealing property while using force or threats of force against another person.
Handling Stolen Goods
Receiving or dealing with property knowing or believing it to be stolen.
Claim of Right
A legal defence where a person genuinely believed they had a lawful entitlement to the property.
Indictable Offence
A more serious offence that may be heard in the County Court or Supreme Court of Victoria.
Summary Offence
A less serious offence dealt with in the Magistrates’ Court.
Helpful Resources on Property Offence Charges
For more in-depth insights, read our full blog library:
