Theft Solicitors

Speak to our theft solicitors today

For a free initial consultation on your legal position and the available options, contact our local offices in London, Birmingham or Manchester.

For urgent advice at any time of day or night regarding a theft charge, please call our Emergency Number 07836 577 556.

Our expertise with theft charges

At JD Spicer Zeb, our theft solicitors can offer you:

• A criminal defence team that has over 45 years of experience, including on a wide range of theft offences
• A depth and breadth of skills that ensure every detail is carefully considered during a theft case, so you can be certain you have the strongest possible defence
• Clear, straightforward advice in a language that you understand, so you can be sure of the steps that need to be taken and what your rights are
• A team that are in your corner and are ready to fight for your fair treatment
• An excellent track record of achieving positive outcomes for our clients under even the most difficult circumstances
• Established relationships with leading criminal defence barristers across the country
• Close personal support through every stage of criminal proceedings
• Law Society accreditation for Criminal Litigation reflecting our specialist expertise
• Lexcel accreditation for the high standards of our legal practice

Pre-charge bail

If you are interviewed under caution for theft, you may be released on pre-charge bail (also simply referred to as ‘being released on bail’). Pre-charge bail will usually be granted if the police are still conducting their investigation and they need to obtain further evidence before they may a charging decision.

If you are released on pre-charge bail, you will normally be subject to various bail conditions e.g. not being able to go to certain places, contact certain people and/or being required to attend the police station on a certain day.

To find out more in relation to pre-charge bail, please use the links provided below:

• Pre-charge bail and Released Under Investigation (RUI)
• On Bail But Not Charged - What Does It Mean?
• How long can you be on bail without charge UK?

Fees and Funding

From the outset, we are always transparent when it comes to costs.

Legal aid public funding may be available in some cases and will depend on the seriousness of the case, your current financial situation and whether it justifies the grant of public funding.

For clients that do not qualify for public funding, the alternative option will be to fund a case privately.

To find out more about the way we handle fees (both legal aid public funding and private fees), please use the links provided below:

• Our Fees – Crime Cases
• Do I Qualify for Criminal Legal Aid?
• Bespoke Crime Private Fee Service

Related offences

Please note that our expert solicitors also provide advice and support with various related matters, including:

• Criminal defence
• Robbery
• Armed robbery

Common questions about theft

What is theft?

Under Section 1 of the Theft Act 1968, theft is described as:

“The dishonest appropriation of property belonging to another with the intention to permanently deprive the other of it”

In more simple terms, theft is the act stealing someone’s property but without the use of force.

What other offences are classified under the Theft Act?

Additional offences which are classified under the Theft Act include:

• Robbery (Section 8 of the Theft Act)
• Burglary (Sections 9 and 10 of the Theft Act)
• Handling stolen goods (Section 22 of the Theft Act)
• Going equipped to steal or commit burglary with intent to steal (Section 25 of the Theft Act)

Given that there is often a very wide interpretation of the different elements of theft, and the other offences that fall under the Theft Act, there is also some overlap with offences that fall under the Fraud Act 2006.

For example, if a case involves an instance where someone has allegedly ‘tricked’ someone into parting with their possession, then a charge will often be brought under the Fraud Act.

What is the difference between theft, burglary, fraud and robbery?

Differentiating between theft, burglary, fraud and robbery is not difficult. To summarise:

• Theft involves taking someone’s property but without the use of force
• Burglary involves illegally entering a property to steal something
• Fraud involves the use of deception to acquire money, services or property
• Robbery involves stealing from a person using force, or threatening to use force

How is theft proven in court?

To demonstrate that an act of theft took place, the prosecution will need to illustrate five key elements, these being:

• Dishonesty
• Appropriation
• The involvement of an item of property
• The property belongs to someone else
• The intention to permanently deprive the owner of the property

What defences can be used in court?

The defences that may be available to a theft charge will largely depend on the circumstances of the case and what evidence is being presented by the prosecution.

Common defences that could be used include:

• Mistaken identity
• Factual dispute as to circumstances
• There was no intention to permanently deprive a victim of the item(s) in question
• Participation was only due to threat or coercion
• The property was yours and the matter is not criminal but a civil or family dispute

Piecing together a comprehensive defence that is tailored to your circumstances and the nature of the allegations you are facing is something our expert criminal defence solicitors will be able to help you with further.

What factors affect the sentencing guidelines for theft?

Sentencing guidelines for theft indicate that the maximum sentence you can receive is 7 years’ custody, while the offence range is between a discharge and 6 years’ custody.

If you are found guilty of theft, the sentence that will be handed out will be determined by culpability and harm.

Culpability is divided into three categories:

• A – High Culpability
• B – Medium Culpability
• C – Lesser Culpability

Harm refers to the value of goods alleged to have been stolen and is divided into four categories:

• Category 1
• Category 2
• Category 3
• Category 4

The higher the category of culpability and harm, the more serious the sentence is likely to be for theft.

Contact our theft solicitors now

If you are due to attend the police station for interview, have been charged with theft, require any urgent specialist advice or immediate representation, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

You can contact a member of our dedicated team of criminal defence lawyers in London, Birmingham, and Manchester by telephone on:

• Brent & Camden London Office:020 7624 7771
• Manchester Office:0161 835 1638
• Birmingham Office:  0121 614 3333
• City of London:0207 624 7771 our senior Solicitors and Partners can meet by appointment in the City.

Or email: solicitors@jdspicer.co.uk

Alternatively, you can fill out our quick online enquiry form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

24/7 legal representation for theft

Please get in touch for a free initial consultation with one of our experts in defences, as well as for immediate advice and representation.

For immediate representation and advice, you can contact our Emergency Number: 07836 577 556 and we will provide you with the urgent assistance you need.