My son has been charged with a number of theft offences. He and his mate went on a spree over about two weeks shoplifting chocolates and lollies from supermarkets and then on-selling to their school friends. He has made full admissions to the police. He has never done anything like this before. What sort of penalty is he looking at?
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Answer by Jo Wilson, Macleod 3085 VIC
- There are a number of sentencing options available in Victoria for an accused person who has been found guilty of a theft from a shop.
- Depending on the seriousness of the offence and the amount of goods stolen sentencing options include:
- a fine;
- a good behaviour bond;
- a Community Corrections Order; and
- a term of imprisonment or detention in a Youth Justice Centre.
- A person found guilty of theft offences may also be required to pay compensation to the victims of the theft.
- Factors that a court will take into account in mitigation include:
- whether your son has made admissions to police;
- his plea of guilty as evidence of remorse;
- his lack of prior convictions; and
- his personal circumstances and background.