Theft Under 5000 – Shoplifting

Theft Under 5000 – Shoplifting

Theft Under and Shoplifting

It is easy to understand how paying for an item can be overlooked and mistakes happen. We understand this and most theft under charges are simple misunderstandings or a momentary lapse in judgement.

As your legal representative, we go to court with you to resolve the charge and ensure that you do not receive the penalties for this charge including:

• fines and jail
• travel restrictions
• employment issues
• a criminal record for life
• probation orders and conditions
• immigration and citizenship applications

The effect of a criminal charge resulting in a criminal record has long term effects that can affect employment, immigration and citizenship applications and other long term implications.

Many employers and even volunteer positions are requesting  criminal record checks before accepting applications.

Definition of Theft Under 5000 Dollars

• (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.

A charge of Theft under 5000 dollars or Shoplifting is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada.

Fighting Theft Under

Many times, we can have your “theft under charge” dropped completely, or given the option of doing some activity, like paying a fine or volunteer work.

For minor theft under 5000 charges, Ontario courts have diversion programs where first time theft under charges will be dropped upon the completion of a task. e.g. a donation or small fine is paid, or community service.

Once the task is completed, the Crown Attorney will drop the charges of theft.

If you’re arrested for “theft under” or Shoplifting you can appear with a licensed paralegal or a lawyer.  Usually, you can save hundreds of dollars by using a paralegal for this offence over a lawyer.

At Oakville criminal lawyers, we appear at court to represent you for your theft under charge.

As licensed paralegals and former police officers, we have the experience to assist you in court to resolve this situation and save you the implications of a criminal record and money.

Avoid the High Cost of a Lawyer!

Do you need a lawyer to appear in criminal court?

Anytime you’re charged with a criminal offence you should seek legal assistance.  A first time offence of theft under is considered a minor offence in courts but you still need to be represented by someone who understands the implications and concerns of a criminal record.

In Oakville the government has authorized and licensed lawyers and paralegals to represent clients for minor criminal offences like theft.  The difference between the two is usually cost.  A criminal lawyer will normally be cost much more than a paralegal but realistically they will both do the same job with the same results.

Give us a call to discuss your case, we have helped thousands of people over the years and we can help you.