Understanding a Theft Under $5,000

When someone mentions theft, it is immediately understood to mean that someone’s property has been taken without that person’s consent or permission; with property defined as either time, services, or physical property. In Canada, taking someone’s property without consent or permission falls under theft. Theft offences are grouped into theft over $5,000 and theft under $5,000.

A charge of fraud or theft offence should not be taken lightly even when things could have just been due to a misunderstanding. Theft over $5,000 is an indictable offence as is written in the Criminal Code of Canada. This means that a theft over $5,000 can lead to severe penalties that can last for life.

Theft in Canada

Canada has one of the highest standards of living in the world. Canadians generally enjoy good healthcare, political and economic stability, and attractive employment opportunities. Despite these benefits that many Canadians enjoy, theft still occurs in Canada. One of the most common of which is vehicular theft especially in the Province of Alberta.

There is a huge difference between a case of shoplifting versus a case of vehicular theft because the value stolen differ in monetary worth by a lot. However, it should be noted that some cases of shoplifting can face serious criminal offences and hefty fees if the stolen goods exceed a certain amount. What you have to remember is that whether theft is under $5,000 or over $5,000, the first step to defend yourself if you’ve been charged as an offender is to get a theft defence lawyer as soon as possible.

Is Theft Under $5,000 Easier to Defend?

Theft in any form is a criminal offence that results in a criminal record that marks the offender for life. The penalties and jail time may differ, but a theft under $5,000 is as serious as theft over $5,000 if considering the life-long consequences. All it takes is a prosecutor proving beyond doubt that the accused did commit theft.

Do you or someone you know need a theft defence lawyer in Canada? Be sure to contact Toronto attorney Calvin Barry as soon as possible. There is a better chance of forming a good defence for theft under $5,000 if the accused is guided by a theft defence lawyer early on. Talk to Calvin Barry today!