Which court will hear offences for shoplifting or theft in Victoria?

• Less serious theft offences will be heard and determined in the Magistrates Court by a magistrate. In Victoria the Magistrates Court has jurisdiction to hear theft cases to the value of $100,000.
• More serious theft offences will be heard and determined in the County Court by a judge and jury.
• Whether they are heard in the County Court or the Magistrates Court will depend on:
  • the seriousness of the theft alleged as determined by the value of the property;
  • whether there are any co-accused and in which court the co-accused are being dealt with; and
  • whether there are any other more serious charges to be heard at the same time.