The consequences of a shoplifting, theft, robbery or burglary conviction can stay with you longer than your sentence. Reduce the risks with the help of a specialist criminal defence lawyer.
What is shoplifting, theft, robbery and burglary?
Theft is another word for stealing, but it has lots of legal concepts bound up in it. It involves acting dishonestly and with an intention to permanently deprive someone of their property by appropriating it. Shoplifting, robbery and burglary are different types of theft with varying degrees of seriousness. Shoplifting is theft from a shop by taking something without paying for it. Robbery is stealing from a person using force and burglary is illegally entering a building to steal something from it, or to cause damage, commit rape or cause someone grievous bodily harm.
Choose a solicitor who specialises in shoplifting, theft, robbery and burglary cases
Stryders are expert criminal defence lawyers with exceptional experience representing people accused and falsely accused of shoplifting, theft, robbery or burglary. Our team has defended people in a variety of serious and high-profile cases across the UK, including armed robbery and aggravated burglary.
All theft-related offences carry an implication of dishonesty, so our specialist solicitors act proactively to protect you, your reputation and your future livelihood, exploring all the options and giving you clear, robust advice on the course of action likely to deliver the best outcome.
All our discussions are confidential, and we can visit you at home, at another convenient location, in prison or in custody if necessary.
What to do next if…
An allegation has been made
Contact us as soon as you’re aware of an allegation, even if you have not been arrested or asked to attend the police station voluntarily. This puts you in the best possible position as it means we can take urgent steps to secure evidence if necessary.
You have been arrested or asked to attend a police station for a voluntary interview
Don’t be tempted to talk to the police, even to deny the allegation, without taking good legal advice, as statements made in the early stages can have a huge impact on the outcome of the case. We offer 24/7 police station assistance. Ask for Stryders by name at the police station. It’s free and we will represent you during your interview.
You have been asked to attend court
If you do not already have a solicitor to represent you, now is the time to contact us urgently. We will prepare your case and represent you at magistrates’ court, crown court or the Court of Appeal. Where necessary, we can instruct a barrister on your behalf and will always liaise with you throughout the process.
Key facts about shoplifting, theft, robbery and burglary offences
- All theft-related offences carry the risk of imprisonment, with the most serious cases of robbery and burglary attracting a potential life term. If you have been accused, arrested or asked to attend the police station, talk to Stryders immediately for confidential advice which could significantly limit your risk.
- Depending on how much has been stolen, shoplifting, theft and burglary cases can be heard in either the magistrates’ court or the crown court. In the case of low value shoplifting and general theft, especially for first time offenders, a police caution may be offered as an alternative to prosecution. This is still a criminal record and should not be taken lightly. Speak to us first. Stryders’ experts have exceptional experience of managing all criminal offences related to theft and can often significantly improve your outcome.
- The court may reduce the sentence in certain cases where there has been cooperation with the police or an early guilty plea. They may also take factors like the age of the offender and whether they show remorse into account. Your Stryders representative will work with you to understand your position and present your case in the most sympathetic way.
Advice for people facing a shoplifting, theft, robbery or burglary charge
In all but the lowest level crimes, if police have evidence to support a charge it is likely that you will be arrested and taken to the police station immediately or asked to come to the station for an interview.
It is very important that you do not say anything to the police at this stage, as any early statements, even a denial, could seriously limit your options later on.
Remember, that a caution is an admission of guilt and will give you a criminal record, even though you do not have to go to court. This could affect your job, your future job prospects, your income and your reputation. Always take legal advice. It’s your right and everyone, irrespective of their financial means, is entitled to a solicitor at the police station.
If you or someone you know is at the police station already, ask for Stryders by name. Stryders’ defence specialists are available 24/7 and will support you at the police station completely FREE. We will find out as much as we can about the case against you and then discuss your circumstances with you in private before you go in for your official interview, following up on your behalf afterwards to find out whether the case is likely to continue.
Specialist support for children and young people facing shoplifting, theft, robbery or burglary charges
Stryders have a lot of expertise in supporting young people, many of whom are first time offenders. We are also a member of the Youth Justice Legal Centre.
Specialist legal support for people facing a shoplifting, theft, robbery or burglary charge
We understand how you feel
We understand how a theft-related charge can affect your life, reputation and those around you. With Stryders, you can be sure of our complete attention. You’ll be assigned a named legal expert who will have access to all the expertise in our wider expert team and will work you in a completely discreet and confidential way.
You’ll get the best legal advice for your situation
All our specialist solicitors are highly respected among both the police and the justice system. They will work proactively and closely with you on the specific elements of your case and present options to bring the case to the best possible conclusion. This includes liaising with the police, making sure you are kept informed of what’s happening and providing continued clear advice and robust guidance.
You’ll have access to representation 24/7
We work tirelessly to ensure all relevant evidence is disclosed to us and thoroughly reviewed to bring matters to a speedy termination wherever possible and are available to support you at a police interview 24/7. If necessary, we will take steps to secure evidence or commission expert witnesses to support your defence. If the case reaches court, we will represent you in any hearings. Our higher court lawyers have experience in representing people all the way up to the Court of Appeal and we can instruct a barrister where necessary.
We travel anywhere from London and the SouthEast to nationally
Our expert assistance extends to anywhere in the country. You can come to one of our offices in St Albans, Leighton Buzzard or Stevenage, or we can visit you at a neutral location or in prison or in custody if necessary.
Competitive legal fees for defending shoplifting, theft, robbery and burglary offences
If you are going to be interviewed under caution by a police officer, you are entitled to FREE legal representation at the police station, whatever your financial circumstances. Ask for Stryders by name. Unlike many duty solicitors, we will contact the police after your interview to see if there’s anything else you need to do as part of our service.
Then, if you face criminal proceedings, our criminal defence lawyers will guide and support you at every stage for a very competitive fee.
We may also be able to offer a fixed fee or provide a FREE assessment for legal aid if appropriate.