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With a cramped time frame, she did in 3 days what another firm dilly-dallied for 7 months. Lisa kept me informed. Helena made me feel comfortable in a sticky situation.

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I will definitely be using your company in the future if needed. Lisa kept me at ease also there were no grey areas with great advice. Helana is a great front of house.

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My legal matter concerning an application for a Domestic Violence Order was managed by Mr Thomas Allen. I am grateful for the outcome he obtained. Without Mr Allen and his ongoing support, I would be certain of a different result. It has been an extremely stressful period. Mr Allen’s astute ability to liaise on my behalf and his expertise was invaluable and for which I am grateful as I am now able to move forward. Thanking you

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I would like to take this opportunity to thank Armstrong Legal and specifically Mr Thomas Allen for representing me in my recent case. At the outset, I would like to thank Mr Allen for the very professional delivery of his legal service. From the first time that I met Mr Allen, I was very impressed with his demeanour and delivery as he made me feel at ease knowing the severity of my case. Mr Allen not only gave me the possible positive outcomes of the case but also the realisation of the worst-case scenario as far as sentencing goes. … I will certainly be recommending Armstrong Legal to any of my friends or family needing representation in criminal matters. Thank you so very much.

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Thank you for your representation and help. Fingers crossed for the next step and parole. I just want to say that from the first phone call to your office, your service has been outstanding and have put my mind at ease. I am glad I picked your number to ring.

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Thank you Armstrong Legal, the lawyers that have helped over the past 3 years but more importantly, thank you to Thomas Allen for the major part you and Mr Buckland played. Cannot thank you enough. Cheers.

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Hi all. I would like to thank Ms Lisa Riley for all her help with my legal issues this past month. It was the most harrowing experience of my life and thanks to her expertise, professionalism and knowledge of the law, I came out almost unscathed. I have no hesitation in recommending Lisa Riley and Armstrong Legal if you need help. The service is amazing and the cost was very minimal for the great outcome. Thank you Lisa for helping me in the most difficult time.

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I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. My whole life I was thrown away, you made me feel like I did mean something. I could not have asked for a better lawyer. Your compassion and love for your job is inspiring. Your upfront and honesty were muchly appreciated, you are a beautiful person. Thank you for not giving up on me and thank you for all the work you put in. I wish you all the best for the future and I will be recommending you to everyone I know. You're amazing!!!!

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I just wanted to thank you for representing me on Monday, I was overjoyed & relieved with the outcome. I don’t think it could have gone any better. All the best, I hope you got to celebrate this one instead after work, you forever made a difference in my life.

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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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.

- Client

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."

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...

Burglary and Aggravated Burglary (Vic)

A person will be found guilty of burglary under section 76 of the Crimes Act 1958 if he or she enters a building as a trespasser with the intent to steal, assault or cause damage to the building or property. The definition of “building” also includes a vehicle or vessel that is inhabited, regardless of whether or not the person lives in it is there or not. The maximum penalty for burglary under section 76 of the Crimes Act 1958 is 10 years imprisonment.

The Offence of Aggravated Burglary

Section 77 of the Crimes Act 1958 provides for two ways in which a person can be found guilty of aggravated burglary. These are:

Where the accused commits a burglary and at the time has in their possession a firearm, imitation firearm, offensive weapon, explosive or imitation explosive; or
Where the offender enters the building with the knowledge that a person was present or was reckless as to whether a person was present in the building.

The maximum penalty for aggravated burglary under section 77 of the Crimes Act 1958 is 25 years imprisonment.

What Actons Might Constitute Burglary or Aggravated Burglary?

Examples of acts that could result in a charge of burglary include:

Breaking into a house through the back door to steal a television;
Climbing through a window of a caravan to damage the inside; or
Entering a warehouse of a company through the roof to damage stock.

Examples of acts that could result in a charge of aggravated burglary include:

Breaking into a two-story home to damage a person’s television and valuables, knowing the owners are upstairs in the home; or
Entering the building of the business from which your employment has recently been terminated to destroy the office with explosives in your possession.

What the Police Must Prove

To find a person guilty of burglary, the prosecution must prove each of the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

They entered a building or part of a building
They entered the building as a trespasser
At the time of entering the building they intended to steal, assault or damage property.

To find a person guilty of aggravated burglary, the prosecution must also prove each of the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt, in addition to the above elements for burglary:

The accused had in their possession a firearm, imitation firearm, an offensive weapon, explosive or imitation explosive; or
At the time of entering the building the accused knew there was a person in the building or was reckless as to whether a person was present in the building.

Possible Defences for Burglary & Aggravated Burglary

A person charged with burglary or aggravated burglary can validly defend the charge by arguing that:

They did not enter a building or part of a building;
That they were not trespassing;
That they did not intend to steal, assault or cause damage to the property;
That they did not have in their possession a weapon;
That they were not aware and could not have been aware that a person was present in the building.

Which Court Will Hear Your Matter?

If you have been charged with burglary or aggravated burglary and the value of the property which is alleged to have been stolen is under $100,000, your case may be heard summarily in the Magistrates Court, provided the consent of the defence and the prosecution is obtained.

However, if the amount or value of the property exceeds $100,000, your matter will be heard in the County Court or Supreme Court of Victoria.

If you require legal advice or representation in any legal matter, please contact Armstrong Legal.

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