If you’ve been charged with shoplifting, don’t make the mistake of treating it as a minor offence. At Pannu Lawyers, we know how quickly a simple allegation of shoplifting can spiral into a serious legal matter. We’ve defended hundreds of clients against theft charges across New South Wales, and our track record speaks for itself.
In this article, we explain exactly what you’re dealing with, what penalties you could face, and how our firm can take control of the situation and protect your future.
Understanding Shoplifting – What the Law Actually Says
Under section 117 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), shoplifting is prosecuted as larceny. Legally, it involves taking property without the owner’s consent, with the intention of keeping it permanently. In plain terms, it means stealing.
Shoplifting typically includes:
Walking out of a store without paying for goods
Concealing items in a bag or under clothing
Swapping price tags to pay less
Consuming items in-store without payment
Using self-checkouts dishonestly
It doesn’t matter whether the value is small or significant, if the police believe you intendedto steal, they will charge you. We regularly see charges laid for items worth as little as $100.
What Happens When You’re Caught ?
First, store security will likely stop you and detain you. If they believe you’ve stolen something, they’ll call the police. From there, police may arrest you or issue a Court Attendance Notice, which means you’ll need to appear before the Local Court on a set date.
This process can feel intimidating. One wrong step such as making a statement without legal advice can hurt your defense later. That’s why we step in straight away. We manage the process from day one and take the pressure off your shoulders.
Penalties: What You’re Really Facing
Contrary to popular belief, shoplifting carries serious consequences. The maximum penalty for larceny is 5 years in prison, but if your matter remains in the Local Court, where the maximum penalty drops to 2 years imprisonment.
The court can impose:
A criminal conviction
A fine
A Conditional Release Order (CRO), with or without conviction
A Community Correction Order (CCO)
An Intensive Correction Order (ICO)
Or in more serious cases, full-time imprisonment
Even if the court doesn’t send you to jail, a criminal conviction can cause lasting damage. It can affect your job, your visa, your ability to travel, and your reputation. This is where early legal intervention makes all the difference.
First-Time Offenders – Is a Clean Record Still at Risk?
Yes. Many people assume that a first offence guarantees leniency. In reality, the court considers your personal circumstances, the facts of the offence, and how well your case is presented.
That’s where we come in. At Pannu Lawyers, we know how to argue for a non-conviction outcome under section 10 of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act. We build a detailed case around your character, remorse, and any relevant factors such as mental health or financial stress.
We’ve helped countless clients walk out of court with no conviction recorded. We do it by preparing thoroughly, presenting properly, and advocating forcefully.
Can Shoplifting Charges Be Defended? Absolutely
Not every allegation leads to a conviction. We examine the police evidence with a fine-tooth comb. We look for errors, inconsistencies, and legal grounds to have the charge dismissed.
Depending on the facts, we may argue:
You had no intent to steal the item
You believed the item had already been paid for
You were distracted or acting under stress
Police or security made a mistake
You were wrongly identified
If a defence is available, we will raise it. If the evidence is strong, we’ll shift focus to minimising the damage. Either way, we don’t waste time, and we don’t waste your chance at a better outcome.
Our Approach – No Guesswork, Just Strategy
Once you engage us, we will take control of your matter immediately. We don’t sit back and hope for the best, we prepare for the fight.
Here’s what we do:
We obtain the police brief and break down the evidence.
We explain your options and give you clear, realistic advice.
We build a defence based on the facts and the law.
We gather supporting documents including references, psychological reports, rehabilitation evidence, anything relevant.
We appear in court and argue your case with precision.
Why Clients Choose Pannu Lawyers ?
Clients come to us because we’re direct, experienced, and results driven. We’ve represented people in Blacktown, Parramatta, Penrith, Mount Druitt, Downing Centre, Burwood and courts across NSW. We don’t offer false promises. We offer smart strategy, honest advice, and court advocacy that works. That’s why we’ve earned the trust of hundreds of clients and more than 800 five-star reviews on Google.
What You Should Do Now
If you’ve been charged with shoplifting:
Don’t make any admissions
Don’t plead guilty without advice
Don’t wait until your court date
Every day counts. The sooner we’re involved, the more control we can take over the outcome. Call us on (02) 9920 1787 or 1300 VAKEEL Visit us in Blacktown or book a confidential appointment. Speak directly with the Best Criminal Lawyers in Sydney Pannu Lawyers – Trusted. Proven. Relentless in your defence.
