CRIMINAL DEFINITIONS

Quite a lot of our clients use the words rob and steal interchangeably, the law does not.

The definition of theft is  “the dishonest appropriation of property belonging to another with the intention of permanently depriving that person of it”

Shoplifting is theft.  The moment somebody lays hands on an item (appropriates) with the intention of taking it out of the shop without paying for it and then consuming it, he or she is already guilty of theft.  If the person takes off a security tag and places the item in their pocket or down their trousers the fact that they haven’t yet reached the checkout is not going to cut much ice with the Court as a defence.

Robbery is the use or threat of violence with intent to steal.  The violence doesn’t have to be extreme. Snatching somebody’s handbag and winning a “tug of war” is quite sufficient to count as robbery.  Robbery can only be dealt with by a Crown Court, theft can be dealt with in either the Magistrates’ Court or the Crown Court, the vast majority of theft offences are dealt with in the Magistrates’ Court.

If you need an experienced lawyer who knows the ropes, can look after you and can get you the best possible outcome.

Contact Chris Johnson now on 01606 74301