Oshawa Lawyers Defend Theft & Possession Of Stolen Property Charges
Theft occurs when a person takes or uses something which does not belong to him or her without the owner’s permission. Theft charges fall into two different categories: Theft under $5000 and Theft Over $5000. The difference between these two charges is the value of the stolen property and the potential punishment involved if a person is found guilty. A conviction for Theft Under $5000 carries a maximum sentence of up to 2 years in jail. Theft Over $5000 however carries a maximum potential sentence of up to 10 years. Theft can encompass a range of situations from shoplifting to employee theft or embezzlement. Employee theft is taken very seriously by the courts, and a conviction will almost always result in jail time.
In Canada, the possession of stolen property is also a crime. One of the requirements of this charge is knowledge – you either knew or should have known the items were obtained by theft, fraud or any other crime. Even if you were not the person who stole the property but you suspect that it was stolen and you failed to investigate whether it was stolen or not, you may be found guilty of possession of stolen property.
Protect Your Rights And Your Future
A conviction for theft or possession of stolen property can have a significant impact on your employment prospects even if no jail time is served. Because of potential for serious life-altering repercussions, it is important to hire a lawyer familiar with this area of the law who will fight for your rights and ensure that you receive the lowest possible sentence if convicted.
At Affleck & Barrison LLP, our lawyers have years of experience defending clients against theft and stolen property charges. Depending on the facts of your case, it may be possible to have the charges reduced or even withdrawn.
Contact Experienced Defence Counsel Serving Pickering, Ajax And Whitby
We have a reputation for effective results in defending all manner of theft and stolen property offences. Contact us online or at 905-404-1947 to speak with one of our experienced Oshawa lawyer specializing in the defence of theft and stolen property. We offer a variety of payment options, including private retainers and Legal Aid. For your convenience, we also offer 24-hour phone services. We are available when you need us most. We offer a free initial consultation for all prospective clients.