Being accused of theft can be very distressing. A conviction can mean that you face a prison sentence, which in turn can cause issues with your employment, family matters and relationships. Our expert theft solicitors in South Wales can give you robust representation and sound advice, protecting your rights and ensuring you have the guidance you need.
At David W Harris & Co, we hold the Law Society’s criminal litigation accreditation, certifying that we offer quality legal advice and a leading service. Our criminal defence team includes solicitors with advocacy qualifications and higher advocacy rights, meaning we often represent clients in court ourselves without the need to instruct external advocates.
If you are questioned on suspicion of theft or charged with an offence, call us now and we will provide immediate representation. It is important to speak to theft defence lawyers before attending a police interview, if possible, to safeguard your position.
Criminal Defence Emergency Contact
For our Swansea 24/7 service, please call 07496 697906.
For our Rhondda Cynon Taff 24/7 service, please call 07572 746303.
Our theft services include:
- Representation at the police station
- Obtaining evidence
- Advice on your options
- Preparing your defence
- Court representation
- Appeal against a theft conviction
Contact our theft solicitors in South Wales
To speak to one of our theft lawyers in South Wales, you can call one of our offices in Pontypridd, Talbot Green or Swansea. Alternatively, please use our contact form on the right-hand side of the page.
Our theft services
Representation at the police station
Having an expert legal representative on your side while you are at the police station will ensure that you have the preliminary advice you need and that your rights are not breached.
Our team includes accredited police station representatives who can attend as needed to advise you. We will make sure that you know what to expect and that you understand how to avoid inadvertently harming your defence.
Obtaining evidence
If your case proceeds to investigation, we will gather all available evidence to provide a full picture of what has happened and to start to build your defence.
This will include witness statements, CCTV footage and documents. We will liaise with the police and prosecuting authorities to obtain disclosure of all of the information they hold.
Advice on your options
If you are charged with theft or another offence under the Theft Act 1968, we will give you a clear assessment of your position and explain all the options available to you.
If you intend to plead guilty, we can discuss the best timing for this to potentially reduce your sentence.
Preparing your defence
If you are charged with theft and intend to plead not guilty, we will put together a robust defence on your behalf. We will examine the evidence against you in detail, looking for discrepancies and what corroboration is available for your position.
We will also make sure that the police and Crown Prosecution Service have followed the correct procedures in dealing with your case. If they have not, we will take action to enforce your rights, which could include asking the court to drop all charges against you.
Court representation
We know that facing a trial is a daunting prospect. We will make sure that you have the preparation you need and that everything is explained clearly to you.
You will be represented throughout by an experienced theft defence lawyer and advocate who will put your case in the strongest possible terms.
Appeal against a theft conviction
If you have been convicted of theft, we can discuss raising an appeal. This includes in the event that you did not have adequate representation at your initial trial or where the correct procedure was not followed.
Theft solicitors FAQs
What is theft?
Theft is defined in the Theft Act 1968 as dishonestly appropriating property belonging to another with the intention of permanently depriving the other of it.
The prosecution would need to prove all aspects of this offence in order to secure a conviction.
What other offences are classified under the Theft Act?
Offences contained in the Theft Act and other acts include:
- Theft
- Robbery, which is theft by force or with threat of force
- Burglary, which is entering a building or inhabited vehicle to commit theft or with the intention of committing theft
- Aggravated burglary, which involves the use of weapons
- Taking a motor vehicle without authority
- Aggravated vehicle taking, which involves dangerous driving or causing injury or damage
There are also a range of deception and fraud offences contained in the Fraud Act 2006.
How is theft proven in court?
The prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused committed the offence. This means that they must demonstrate that each point of the offence occurred.
For example, in the case of theft, they will need to show that there was an intent to permanently deprive the owner of whatever was taken.
What defences can be used in court?
There are a range of defences to theft charges. If you ask us to represent you, we will go through your case and construct a sound defence, putting forward all relevant issues.
Theft defences can include:
- Identity – if it was not you who committed the offence
- There was no intention to permanently deprive someone of the item
- You were given consent to take the item or genuinely believed that you had consent
What factors affect the sentencing guidelines for theft?
The sentence for theft can range from a fine or discharge to seven years in prison. Aggravated offences carry a higher sentence, for example, aggravated burglary can result in a maximum sentence of life in prison in the most extreme cases.
The courts will take into account a range of mitigating and aggravating factors when deciding on the sentence.
They will also consider the level of culpability of the offender, for example, whether they played a leading role or were coerced by someone else into carrying out the offence.
The level of harm caused is a further factor. The courts will consider issues such as the value of the item to the owner, the harm or inconvenience caused and factors such as the causing of fear or emotional distress and injury or the risk of injury.
Aggravating factors in theft sentencing guidelines include previous convictions, being on bail when the offence was committed and attempts to conceal evidence or blame someone else.
Mitigating factors can include a previous clean record, remorse, particularly with voluntary reparation to the victim, and age or lack of maturity.
In the event that you are convicted of theft, we will make sure that all mitigating factors are brought to the attention of the court.
Contact our theft solicitors in South Wales
If you are facing an accusation of theft or you have been charged with theft, you are strongly advised to speak to expert theft defence lawyers without delay.
To speak to one of our theft lawyers in South Wales, you can call one of our offices in Pontypridd, Talbot Green or Swansea. Alternatively, please use our contact form on the right-hand side of the page.