Understand Your Situation
Theft is a crime of dishonesty. A conviction can ruin your character and career. We help you tell your side of the story.
Defending Theft Charges
Theft requires the prosecution to prove you took property 'dishonestly' with the intention to 'permanently deprive' the owner. This sounds simple, but legal defences are complex. If you thought the owner consented, or if you intended to return it, it may not be theft.
We handle cases ranging from employee theft (breach of trust) to theft by finding. We carefully analyse the evidence of dishonesty. If we can show you acted in good faith, or that the identification is wrong, we can secure an acquittal.
Accused of Stealing?
Protect your reputation. Contact us for advice on theft charges.
Plan Your Defence
Dishonesty and the Ivey Test
The legal test for dishonesty (the *Ivey* test) asks whether your conduct was dishonest by the standards of ordinary decent people. This is subjective and arguable.
We also explore *Section 2 of the Theft Act 1968*, which provides specific defences: believing you had a legal right to the property, or believing the owner could not be found. We use these statutory defences to protect clients who made honest mistakes.
Employee Theft?
Breach of trust is serious. We defend your career and your freedom.
Legal Aid Availability
For many criminal matters, from police station interviews to Crown Court trials, public funding (Legal Aid) may be available to cover your legal costs.
Eligibility is determined by the seriousness of the case and, in some instances, a means assessment. Our team will conduct an immediate, confidential assessment of your eligibility to ensure that financial constraints do not stand in the way of a robust defence.
