Charges Defended > Theft Under $5000 and Theft Over $5000

Toronto Criminal Lawyer defends theft charges.  416-877-5291.

Under the law, know that you may have several valid defenses to your theft charge under cc. 322(1), including the violation of your rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.  Entering a plea of guilty to a charge of theft can have profoundly serious consequences.  The stigma of a criminal record, the hardship of being “processed” through our criminal justice system, the potential consequences for your work, your family, your reputation, and at worst, your freedom are significant.  Know your rights.  If you or a friend or family member have been charged with theft, contact the firm at 416.877.LAW1 (5291).  Your first consultation is always free.

What type of Theft charges do you defend?

The Law Office defends theft charges over and under $5000, including retail theft, price switching, breaches of trust, gaming offences, and workplace related theft.

What is Theft under the Criminal Code?

Under Section 322. (1), every one commits theft who fraudulently and without colour of right takes, or fraudulently and without colour of right converts to his use or to the use of another person, anything, whether animate or inanimate, with intent

(a) to deprive, temporarily or absolutely, the owner of it, or a person who has a special property or interest in it, of the thing or of his property or interest in it;

(b) to pledge it or deposit it as security;

(c) to part with it under a condition with respect to its return that the person who parts with it may be unable to perform; or

(d) to deal with it in such a manner that it cannot be restored in the condition in which it was at the time it was taken or converted.

When does Theft occur?

Under Subsection (2), a theft is completed when, with intent to steal anything, a person moves it or causes it to move or to be moved, or begins to cause it to become movable.

What is the possible punishment for Theft?

If the value of the item exceeds five thousand dollars, the accused is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years.

If the value of the item is less than five thousand dollars, the accused is guilty of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or of an offence punishable on summary conviction,