Expert Legal Defence Against Theft and Dishonesty Charges

Facing allegations of theft or dishonesty can be daunting, with potential consequences looming over you. At BKP Solicitors, we empathise with your concerns and offer specialised legal advice to defend your rights, striving for the best possible outcome in your case.

With over two decades of experience representing both businesses and individuals, we've earned a reputation for formidable defence strategies and successful outcomes. Allegations of theft or dishonesty can significantly impact your personal and professional life, and we're dedicated to tirelessly advocating on your behalf.

Understanding Dishonesty Charges

Dishonesty forms the basis of a wide array of criminal offences, ranging from minor theft to large scale corporate fraud. Offences encompassed within the realm of dishonesty include:

• Theft
• Robbery or burglary
• Handling stolen goods
• Fraudulent activities (e.g., false representation, failure to disclose information, or abuse of position)
• Benefits fraud
• Conspiracy to defraud
• Money laundering
• Tax evasion
• False accounting or embezzlement
• Bribery and corruption
• Blackmail and extortion

Most theft and dishonesty offences are governed by the Theft Act 1968 and the Fraud Act 2006. To be convicted of fraud, one must be found to have acted dishonestly. The Fraud Act 2006 defines fraud as any misleading or untrue statement made with the intention of gaining property or money, even through silence when there's a legal duty to speak.

Understanding Theft

Theft occurs when someone "dishonestly appropriates property belonging to another, with the intention of permanently depriving the other of it." This encompasses offences like burglary, shoplifting, or car theft. Aggravated theft, involving threats or force against a person or property, carries more severe penalties.

Legal Test for Dishonesty

A legal test is applied to determine dishonesty in a given situation. A jury may consider:

• The individual's actual state of knowledge or belief at the time of the alleged offence
• Whether the individual's conduct was dishonest by the standards of an ordinary, decent person

Robbery, a theft accompanied by violence, ranks among the most serious dishonesty offences. Our expert theft and dishonesty lawyers meticulously examine all factors contributing to your case, offering pragmatic guidance based on the evidence presented against you.

Investigation into Theft or Dishonesty Charges

Suspected involvement in theft or dishonesty may prompt police to obtain a warrant to search premises for evidential purposes. It's crucial that warrants are executed correctly to avoid legal challenges. Suspects have the right to legal representation during police interviews, a service our experts provide promptly.

Penalties for Theft or Dishonesty Charges

If theft or dishonesty allegations proceed to court proceedings, it may take up to a year for the case to be heard. The penalties vary based on the severity of the charges:

• Minor offences may result in fines, community orders, or compensation orders.
• More serious crimes can lead to custodial sentences, possibly up to 10 years, depending on the severity.

Navigating the legal complexities of theft and dishonesty charges demands expert guidance. Our team at BKP Solicitors is committed to providing robust defence strategies tailored to your unique circumstances. Contact us today for expert legal representation in theft and dishonesty cases.