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I know I thanked you before we parted company but please allow me to reiterate in writing my sincere deepest thanks for defending me in court today. … Armstrong Legal certainly has a great Lawyer you are a credit to the company and I'm quite sure you will secure a very successful future! … My Kindest Regards and Thanks
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Anastasia Qvist is an outstanding lawyer. My criminal law situation (family violence order) was difficult, complex and Ana's diligence saved me as I was going through the most difficult period of my life. Ana is down to earth, commonsense and she even kept our costs to a minimum. She is a skilled litigator and knows the ins and outs of the ACT Magistrates Court. She dealt skillfully with the DPP and is an excellent negotiator. You will get a fair representation and she genuinely cares about her clients. She has my complete recommendation. The lady goes to bat for her clients.
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I would strongly recommend Anastasia to anyone who is seeking legal representation. As a first-time offender who was charged with a Level 2 Drink Driving offence, she walked me through every step of the matter and was very upfront and clear on all aspects of my case. She was always accessible when I needed advice. Her approach and advice were excellent. Under her representation, I received the best possible outcome and managed to avoid a criminal conviction. She was a pleasure to deal with throughout the whole matter.
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Throughout Angela has been the consummate professional. She maintained a calm, yet strong demeanour remained informative and completely open in her communication and took complete ownership of the situation. We felt confident we finally had an advocate to steer us out of the nightmare we were in, and she did so with great respect and sincerity. I cannot speak more highly of Angela. She has literally rescued our family from what looked very much like a hopeless future.
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Words can’t describe how grateful I am to Trudie Cameron being my solicitor and to Andrew Tiedt presenting my case in the court. They both have been very supportive and amazingly professional and effective. I’ve got an absolutely fantastic outcome I couldn’t even dream about.
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Soon after meeting Andrew I knew he was the solicitor I wanted to handle my matter. He immediately sprang into action which brought me stability and hope during a tumultuous time in my life. Andrew was never afraid to give me straight answers to my tough questions which is a true mark of integrity. He is clearly at ease in the court environment and I believe his calm and measured demeanour went a long way to helping me secure the best result from my day in court. I would certainly recommend you approach Andrew if you need assistance.
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"Andrew Tiedt was very professional and considerate to personal circumstances and gave sound advice that resulted in the best outcome possible. Highly recommended."
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This article was written by Michelle Makela - Legal Practice Director
Michelle has over 15 years experience in the legal industry, working across commercial litigation, criminal law, family law and estate planning. Michelle has been involved in all practice areas of the firm and in her personal practice has had experience in litigation at all levels (state and federal industrial tribunals, the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, the Federal Court, Federal...
Stealing Offences
In Queensland, stealing falls under the category of property offences in part 6 of the Criminal Code Act 1899. Other property offences include obtaining goods by deception, receiving stolen goods, and burglary. Minor property offences such as shoplifting goods worth under $150, and leaving a hotel or restaurant without paying the bill, are dealt with in the Regulatory Offences Act 1985. Stealing offences can result in fines, community service orders, probation, suspended sentences and terms of imprisonment. The type of penalty an offender receives will depend on the offence, and whether there were circumstances of aggravation or mitigation.
Shoplifting
Shoplifting offences include more than just taking an item from a shop without paying. Shoplifting also includes eating or drinking something in a café or restaurant and leaving without paying, swapping or altering price tags, or leaving a hotel without paying.
If the item stolen is worth under $150, a shoplifting charge will normally be dealt with by way of a fine. However, if the goods removed have a total value of over $150, the offender may be charged with stealing rather than shoplifting. Offences relating to leaving a hotel, or restaurant without paying may result in a charge of fraud if the value of the goods or services used amounts to more than $150.
Stealing
Stealing is defined as taking property belonging to someone else, without their consent, and keeping it permanently. In Queensland, stealing may be comprised over shoplifting when the value of the item is greater than $150.
The penalty for stealing varies greatly depending on what is stolen, and the offender’s criminal history. A stealing charge can incur a term of imprisonment for up to five years. However, if the offender uses violence or threatens violence, if item is stolen from a public office, or if the item is stolen from a dwelling and exceeds $1000, or the item is taken from a locked room or box that had to be opened then the penalty increases to a maximum jail term of 10 years. If a firearm is stolen by a person who intends to use it to commit an indictable offence, then the maximum penalty is 14 years imprisonment.
Receiving Stolen Property
It is an offence in Queensland to receive stolen property or property which is tainted. Property is tainted if it has been obtained by way of an act constituting an indictable offence. If a person knowingly receives stolen property, and they have reason to believe it has been stolen, then they have committed an offence.
The maximum penalty for this offence ranges from 7 years imprisonment to 14 years imprisonment depending on the property received and how it was received. If the property was obtained by committing the crime or the property was a firearm, or ammunition, then a maximum penalty of 14 years applies.
The penalties for these offences are high as a deterrent for people considering buying stolen property, and to limit the supply, and demand, of stolen goods.
Fraud
Fraud is stealing that involves dishonestly obtaining goods, money, services, or property. This may be by obtaining property that belongs to someone else, applying someone else’s property to your own use, gaining a benefit or advantage, or inducing or causing someone to deliver property to another person. An example of fraud would be claiming benefits from Centrelink to which you are not entitled or leaving a restaurant without paying for goods worth more than $150. Penalties for fraud offences vary depending on the severity of the offence but can result in five years imprisonment.
Burglary
The offence of burglary occurs when a person enters someone’s premises with the intent to commit an indictable offence. The definition of premises for the purposes of this offence is a building, structure, dwelling, tent, caravan, vehicle, or similar place. There are three different burglary offences in Queensland relating to three different situations.
If a person enters premises with the intent to commit an indictable offence the maximum penalty is 10 years imprisonment. If a person enters premises and does, in fact, commit an indictable offence then the maximum penalty is 14 years imprisonment. If the offender gains entry to the premises by breaking, and commits an indictable offence, then they are liable to a maximum penalty of imprisonment for life.
If you require legal advice or representation in any legal matter, please contact Armstrong Legal.
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If you suspect that you may be under investigation, or if you have been charged with an offence, it is vital to get competent legal advice as early as possible. Our lawyers are highly specialised in criminal law and will be able to guide you through the process while dealing with the various authorities related to your matter.
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