WA Theft - Do I Need a Lawyer?

[emmam]

I was dismissed from my retail job just over a month ago for theft. I have just started work in the mining industry and I received a call from the police yesterday with regards to the theft, which I have admitted to. Question is, do I need a lawyer with me when I go to the police station and can I ask for the criminal record to be suppressed so I can stay working in the mining industry?

 

[Rod]

Probably is a good idea to get legal advice before talking to the police. Theft can have serious consequences so best to get good advice before talking to police and before going to court. Even minor theft convictions can result in continuing bad effects that continue to hurt well after the offence.

Get advice.

 

[JS79]

Whatever you do - do not give a video statement to the police. They will use this against you. If you go to Court you can argue a spent conviction - which means it does not show up on your criminal record. I suggest contacting your local criminal lawyer.

See https://lawanswers.wufoo.com/forms/get-connected-with-the-right-lawyer-for-you

 

[Serge Gorval]

Whatever you do - do not give a video statement to the police. They will use this against you. If you go to Court you can argue a spent conviction

Why would it be a spent conviction?

He hasn't yet been sentenced for it. In the future, don't speak and most importantly admit to anything without getting legal advice.

If you made an admission, you may still have it excluded under evidence or it may be worthwhile to just plead this one out on the basis of good character.

How old are you?

 

[JS79]

I know he hasn't been charged yet. Simply saying is he does get charged and goes to court he/she could look at going for a spent conviction. Not saying they would get it - just an option due to the person not wanting it to get leaked.

 

[Tim W]

Whatever you do - do not give a video statement to the police. They will use this against you.

Agreed.
Do not even go on tape saying that you don't want to answer any questions.

and can I ask for the criminal record to be suppressed so I can stay working in the mining industry?

Not as such.
But what you can do in WA (in certain circumstances) is apply for a thing called a
Spent Conviction At The Time of Sentence.

 

[polize712]

I think you should take legal advice regarding that, because it will be good to consult before taking to police.
All the best.

 

[polize712]

Hello again,

Before time says the first consult a lawyer related your documents after handle you all problem & discuss police matter. After any problem you call a lawyer he is all problem solved.
All the best
civil litigation