Theft, burglary, robbery, handling stolen goods, and fraud charges across the Magistrates, County and Supreme Courts of Victoria.
Protecting your record, your freedom, and your future.
Theft, fraud, burglary and robbery defence: Melbourne and Victorian courts.
Property offences in Victoria include theft (including retail theft and fraud), burglary and aggravated burglary, robbery and armed robbery, handling or receiving stolen goods, and obtaining financial advantage by deception. The seriousness of the charge depends on the value involved, the manner of the offending, and the circumstances. A conviction for a property offence can affect employment, travel, and professional licensing, making early legal advice essential.
Three primary strategies are available depending on the evidence, the value involved, and your instructions.
Best when speed matters and risk is low
Many property offence charges depend on surveillance footage, fingerprint evidence, or digital transaction records. We scrutinise every exhibit and challenge the chain of custody, identification, and inference drawn by the prosecution.
Best when facts are complex or disputed
Theft and fraud require proof of a dishonest intent. Where the prosecution cannot prove you intended to permanently deprive the owner, or that your conduct was dishonest by the standards of ordinary people, that is a complete answer to the charge.
Best when outcome must be robustly defended
Where the evidence is strong, effective sentencing submissions can make the difference between a conviction with imprisonment and a non-custodial outcome. We prepare comprehensive character material, rehabilitation evidence, and legal submissions.
Property offence investigations may involve interviews, CCTV review, or financial records requests. Contact Sam before attending any police interview.
Sam reviews the charge sheet and prosecution brief, assessing the strength of the identification evidence, the surveillance material, and any forensic exhibits.
Sam negotiates with the prosecution on charges, facts, and potential resolutions. Many property matters resolve through negotiation without proceeding to a contested hearing.
A contested hearing tests the prosecution evidence; a plea hearing presents your circumstances, including any restitution made, character references, and rehabilitation steps.
Working with Russo Lawyers
Direct principal access
Sam Russo runs every file
Free initial consultation
No obligation, no time limit
Same-day response
Including after hours by mobile
Level 19, 263 William Street, Melbourne CBD
These are the questions our clients ask most often. Nothing too basic. Nothing off-limits.
Time-sensitive?
Do not wait. Early legal advice significantly changes outcomes in criminal matters. Call Sam directly on (03) 7040 9825 for a same-day response.
Theft involves the dishonest taking of property without the use of force or threat. Robbery involves the use or threat of immediate force to steal. Robbery is a more serious offence tried in the County Court and carries a maximum of 15 years imprisonment under the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic).
Armed robbery, where a weapon is used or threatened, carries a maximum of 25 years. The distinction between theft and robbery turns on the circumstances of the taking and whether any force or threat was involved.
Sam appears regularly at Magistrates' Courts across Melbourne and regional Victoria. Pick the suburb closest to where the matter will be heard for court-specific guidance.
Free initial consultation. Same-day response to all matters.
Same-day response to all matters. Confidential consultation, no obligation.
Same-day response to all matters
samuel@russolaw.com.au