Fraud & Theft Allegations
Theft / Receiving
A person may be found guilty of an offence if they have handled property without the consent of its owner and with an intention to not return it, either permanently or for a period of time legally deemed to encroach their rights.
Breaches of these rights may occur when a person treats someone else’s property as their own. For example, dispose of it or act in a way that will see it impossible for the item to be returned in its original condition or value.
Common forms may be shoplifting, burglary (entering someone’s property with the goal to remove goods), and purchasing an item knowing it has questionable origins and at a lower-than-expected value.
Maximum penalties vary depending on the offence:
- For a basic offence, 10 years in prison
- For an aggravated offence, 15 years in prison
Meet the team

Phil Testa
Barrister & Solicitor
Phil Testa was admitted to practice in 2002 after completing a double degree in Arts and Law at Adelaide University. He has considerable experience in general legal …
- Family Law
- Personal Injury Law
- Civil Disputes & Litigation
- Commercial Law
- Wills and Estates
Learn more about Phil

Lauraine (Lauri) Evans
Barrister & Solicitor
Lauraine (Lauri) Evans was admitted to practice in 2005 after completing a degree in Law at The University of New England. She was a Police Officer for over twenty years …
- Criminal & Police
- Traffic Law
- Wills and Estates
Learn more about Lauri
have built their reputation on being accessible to their clients who instruct them in relation to a wide range of legal issues.
Phil Testa was incredible! He assisted me with an urgent matter he was efficient and capable all whilst performing thorough and accurate work! Would highly recommend he and his team are by far the best I have ever worked with. Honest and quick are rarity within the legal field. A true gem!
Flavio ScoteceI was extremely pleased with the professional and no-nonsense approach displayed by Phil in the handling of my case. The matter was resolved quickly and to my satisfaction. I would recommend Phil to anyone that has a difficult problem to handle and will definitely go back to him if required in the future.
William CornellI can't recommend Evans Testa Barristers & Solicitors enough should you ever find yourself in a position of needing a lawyer for your own circumstance. Lauraine is phenomenal in how she handles herself - from explaining the situation objectively from multiple perspectives to detailing potential outcomes and various options available.
Matt Russell
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What are your business hours?
Our business hours are between 9am-5pm weekdays. We are available outside these hours if urgent matters, such as arrest, arise.Where are you located?
We have offices in the North East, City and West. View all our locations here.How can I contact you?
You can contact us by phone or email at your convenience.Do you offer fixed fee arrangements?
We do dependent upon your matter.Do you offer the first interview free?
We offer a first free phone consultation to discuss your matter in order to work out how we may be able to assist you.
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