Theft and Shoplifting Lawyer in Toronto

Striving to Keep Your Record Clean From Theft and Shoplifting Charges

If you’ve been arrested for shoplifting or any other charges related to theft, you could be facing serious jail time. This is true even for first-time offenders. So, exactly what should you do when facing such punitive measures? The proper approach will vary based on your circumstances, but speaking with a theft and shoplifting lawyer in Toronto is always a good place to start.

At AR Law, our law firm understands that mistakes can happen. At times, this could mean a mistake made by police or accusers that results in wrongful allegations and prosecution. In other instances, this could mean that you made a mistake by stealing something — but should our lives be defined by a single misstep? We don’t think so. If you’re facing criminal charges related to stealing property, our Toronto theft/shoplifting lawyer is ready to review your case and let you know your options. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. We’re here to help.

What Are the Penalties for Theft Under the Canadian Criminal Code?

Whether you’re facing shoplifting allegations, theft charges, accusations of fraud, or any other charge related to theft, there are a variety of penalties that you may face. However, the criminal code is not a one-size-fits-all resource. The consequences of a charge and conviction can vary significantly based on the circumstances of your case. For instance, someone accused of stealing a loaf of bread will likely have a very different outcome than someone who allegedly defrauded a family member out of $10,000. However, keep in mind that all theft charges can be charged as an indictable offence or summary conviction.

An indictment charge will carry far more serious penalties than a summary conviction. In fact, it could mean the difference between probation and a lengthy jail sentence. Which approach the Crown Attorney takes will often depend on the amount of money allegedly stolen.

Theft of $5,000 or Less

If you’re charged with theft of $5,000 or less, prosecutors will often elect for summary charges. In a worst-case scenario, this could result in a prison sentence of up to two years. You may also face no jail time, but you’ll be left with a criminal record and other potential consequences. Unlike other criminal charges, the outcome of an indictment conviction is similar to crimes that lead to summary judgments. However, an indictment will look far worse on your criminal record.

Theft of More Than $5,000

When accused of theft in excess of $5,000, prosecutors will typically opt to charge as an indictable offence. In such cases, even shoplifting charges can carry a prison sentence of up to 10 years. While this might seem like a bit much for a shoplifting charge, it’s important to remember that many small items carry immense value (e.g., jewelry, electronics). Too many first-time offenders fool themselves into thinking that the Crown won’t hand down severe penalties for the theft of individual items. Don’t be one of these people. Speak with a theft and shoplifting lawyer in Toronto today.

Other Potential Outcomes to Theft Charges

When someone is convicted of a crime, they typically think that a jail sentence and monetary fees are their biggest worries. However, every theft lawyer in Toronto can tell you that the consequences of a conviction are often far more severe. While the criminal justice system can only go so far in its punitive measures — including giving you community service hours even when your record will eventually be discharged — the results of a conviction can affect other parts of your life. For instance, our law firm has seen people experience the following unexpected issues after being charged with theft:

•  Loss of employment
• Difficulty finding new employment
• Problems during university enrolment
• Ineligibility for certain professions
• Immigration issues
• Travel restrictions — including being barred from U.S. travel
• Potential for news or social media exposure
• Social stigma
• Immediate assumptions made by police during future encounters

Clearly, the legal consequences of theft or shoplifting charges may end up being the least of your worries. Even if the charges against you are minor and result in no major punitive measures, it’s possible that charges will still derail your life. This is why it’s so important to speak with a Toronto criminal lawyer before making any major decisions. You’re entitled to an experienced legal defence, and you’re considered innocent until the Crown Attorney can prove otherwise. Let our law firm assist you during this difficult time.

Is Possessing Stolen Property a Criminal Offence?

Did you know that you could be charged with crimes related to theft even if you’ve never stolen property in your life? While this isn’t the case for most people with criminal records related to the crime, you could be charged with possessing stolen property in some situations. For instance, imagine that you purchase a $1,200 smartphone from someone online for just $200. If it turns out the phone was property stolen from an individual or retail store, you could effectively be charged with theft by possession. In such situations, you might face the same penalties as the person who stole the item in the first place.

Unfortunately, even not knowing that the item was stolen property may not result in charges dropped. If the Crown Attorney believes you should have known the item was stolen — but engaged in reckless or wilful “blindness” — you can still be charged. Since any theft allegation is a hybrid offence, you could be charged with a summary offence or under indictment. Due to the severity of these consequences, it’s crucial that you speak with a theft and shoplifting lawyer in Toronto. You need a criminal defence that will strive for an absolute discharge, but even if this isn’t possible, you deserve a legal professional on your side.

Is It Possible to Avoid a Criminal Record?

There are times when individuals charged with theft believe they have no hope of charge dismissal or exoneration. For instance, it’s hard for a person to argue that they’re innocent if store security tapes filmed them during the commission of a crime. In such cases, defendants may be tempted to simply accept a plea arrangement. This is especially the case if they’re charged with theft under $5,000. What they fail to realize is that it may be possible to avoid a criminal record altogether. In a best-case scenario, your theft and shoplifting lawyer might be able to have all charges dropped. That is what a good legal professional will strive for, but this outcome will not always be possible.

If these are not the first criminal charges you’ve faced — or if the evidence is overwhelming or the crime is seen as particularly egregious — the Crown Attorney may see no other option than prosecution. When a conviction seems imminent, a legal professional may be able to have charges reduced or negotiate a better plea arrangement on your behalf. In fact, an absolute or conditional discharge may result in you having no criminal record, even if you’re convicted of the crime.
These are obviously complex matters, so it’s wise to have a Toronto theft lawyer on your side. Contact AR Law today to schedule your free consultation.

Do You Really Need a Toronto Criminal Lawyer?

In some cases, people wonder whether they need a defence lawyer at all. This is not surprising because no one is required to have legal representation under the law. Additionally, the Crown Attorney may convince you that a lawyer is unnecessary due to the non-serious nature of your offence. However, we’ve already gone in-depth over the serious potential consequences of a conviction. Striving to secure the best possible outcome is obviously in your best interest, but do you really need a lawyer to do this?

In many instances, this might be the case. A legal professional understands the Canadian criminal code, and they can use that knowledge to make the Crown’s prosecution attempts more difficult. An experienced lawyer has likely also spent substantial time negotiating with Crown Attorneys, and this means they know what the government wants to hear and see coming from the defence. There’s no way to guarantee a certain outcome to any criminal case, but a Toronto theft and shoplifting lawyer can at least provide dedicated representation.

Contact a Theft and Shoplifting Lawyer in Toronto Today

The Canadian criminal justice system is complex. For all its effort to ensure fairness, mistakes are still often made. Innocent people are sitting in jail as we speak, and individuals frequently face penalties that are far more severe than they deserve. Unfortunately, this often occurs because they do not have proper legal representation. Even minor offences that don’t result in jail time can still result in a permanent criminal record and punitive actions that upend an individual’s life. However, this doesn’t have to be your reality. If you’re facing a theft charge of any amount, speaking with a criminal defence lawyer may be in your best interest.

At AR Law, you’ll work with a legal professional who fully understands the Canadian criminal code and who will use that knowledge to secure the best possible outcome on your behalf. There are no guarantees in the criminal justice system, but there’s no doubt that having a lawyer on your side is beneficial. Arvin Ross will ensure you understand your rights and the best possible outcomes in your situation. Contact us today by calling (647) 503-5251 to schedule your free consultation.