Dishonestly using a Document

Example:

John finds someone’s wallet when he’s on the bus. He leaves it there but takes the credit card out of it. He uses the card to buy $200 worth of groceries before the card is cancelled.

Offence:
Dishonestly using a document – section 228 of the Crimes Act 1961
It is an offence to dishonestly take a document or use a document with intent to obtain any property or pecuniary advantage.

Penalty:
There is a maximum penalty of 7 years imprisonment.

Likely sentence:
John is likely to get around 60 hours of community work for this offence. He will also have to pay $200 reparation to the victim (or their bank) and $130 court costs.

Special notes:
A credit card, although made of plastic, is defined as a document for the purposes of the Crimes Act.