Property Offences
Property offences in Victoria are governed by the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic) and encompass a wide range of criminal activities involving the unlawful interference with another person’s property. These offences can vary in severity, from minor damage to serious, indictable crimes such as arson or aggravated burglary.
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At Rebecca Burdon Legal, we are experienced Melbourne criminal defence lawyers who regularly act for clients facing a wide range of property-related charges. We take the time to understand your situation, provide clear legal advice, and advocate for the best possible result.
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Below is an overview of key property offences under Victorian law:
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Section 74 – Theft: This section defines theft as dishonestly taking property belonging to another person with the intention of permanently depriving them of it. Examples include shoplifting, stealing from an employer, or taking unattended items. The offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment.
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Section 76 – Burglary: Burglary occurs when a person unlawfully enters a building with the intent to steal, assault someone, or cause damage. It is treated seriously by the courts and can result in a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment.
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Section 83 – Falsification of Documents: This offence criminalises making, using, or possessing false documents with intent to deceive. It commonly arises in fraud matters involving identity, financial, or legal documents.
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Section 197 – Criminal Damage: Criminal damage refers to intentionally or recklessly damaging property belonging to another person without lawful excuse. This can include acts such as smashing windows, damaging vehicles, or breaking personal items.
Experienced Criminal Lawyers Protecting Your Rights in Property Offence Cases
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If you're facing charges related to theft or property damage, or require legal guidance in navigating these complex offences, our experienced team at Rebecca Burdon Legal & Consulting is here to support you. Contact us today to discuss your case and ensure you receive trusted legal representation. ​
Theft
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Theft involves dishonestly taking property that belongs to another person with the intention of permanently depriving them of it. Theft-related charges may also include burglary and robbery or associated offences such as shoplifting and carjacking. The maximum penalty for theft is 10 years imprisonment.
Property Damage
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Property damage refers to any act that intentionally destroys or damages property belonging to another person. Offences under this category include criminal damage, wilful damage, arson, and graffiti-related offences. Penalties will vary depending on the value of the property damaged and whether fire or explosives were involved.
Burglary & Home Invasion
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Burglary involves unlawfully entering a building with the intent to steal, damage property, or assault someone. Aggravated burglary and home invasion are more serious forms of this offence and carry significant custodial penalties.
Fraud & Deception
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These offences involve dishonestly obtaining property or financial benefit through deceptive conduct. Common examples include making or using false documents, falsifying financial records, or possessing tools for creating false documents.
Penalties for Property Offences in Victoria
Property offences carry serious consequences under the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic). Penalties vary depending on the type and seriousness of the offence, the harm caused, and the offender’s criminal history. Courts will also consider factors such as intent, use of weapons, and whether the offence occurred in a residential setting.
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Common Penalties for Property Offences
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Imprisonment
More serious property offences such as burglary, aggravated burglary, and arson can result in lengthy prison sentences. Arson carries a maximum penalty of 15 years, while aggravated burglary can attract up to 25 years imprisonment.
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Fines
For less severe property offences such as graffiti, wilful damage, or minor theft, courts may impose fines. These are often used when the offence did not involve violence or significant loss.
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Community-Based Orders
In some cases, particularly for first-time offenders or where the offence is less serious, courts may issue Community Correction Orders. These can include unpaid community work, supervision, or participation in rehabilitation programs.
Reasons Why You Need a Criminal Defence Lawyer Melbourne
Property offences in Victoria, such as theft, property damage, burglary, and arson, are treated seriously by the legal system. If you are facing charges of this nature, it is essential to seek advice from an experienced criminal lawyer. At Rebecca Burdon Legal, we offer strategic legal support to help you understand your rights and build a strong defence.​
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Successfully defending against a property offence requires careful examination of the prosecution’s case. The police must prove key elements such as intent, lack of lawful excuse, and, in some cases, forced entry or damage. Possible defences include arguing that the act was accidental, that you had permission to use or access the property, or that the evidence is insufficient.
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Having a skilled criminal defence lawyer who understands how property offences are prosecuted in Victoria and who has strong working relationships within the court system, can significantly influence the outcome of your matter.
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We focus on assessing the strength of the evidence against you, identifying any procedural or factual flaws, and advising you on the best path forward. We regularly appear in courts across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
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We also offer tailored advice on the potential long-term impacts of a property offence conviction. These charges can affect employment, travel, housing, and even visa or migration status. Whether you are planning to dispute the charge or resolve it early, our priority is to protect your future and secure the best possible result.
Assessing Melbourne Criminal Law Firms? Why Choose Us?
Your rights and interests are our priority. Everyone should have access to justice and high-quality legal services. Our Melbourne criminal law firm works hard, advocating in your best interest even when there is a strong prosecution case against you. We work hard to achieve the best possible outcome for you. Reach out to us for a free consultation.
For further information on some of the frequent types of crimes and charges we deal with include:
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Violent crime - offences against the person
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Dishonesty offences - Theft, fraud and Deception
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Property related offences
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