Free ConsultationFacing Theft Charges in {city}?
Protect Your Freedom, Record, and Future — Act Now.
Call {city} Criminal Lawyer {lawyer} Today
You have options — and getting the right advice now can change everything.
✅ Free consultation available
✅ Clear, honest advice about your options
✅ Strategic defence focused on results
👉 Call Now: {tel}
{lawyer} is here to stand with you, protect your best interests, and work toward the best outcome possible — no matter how serious the charge feels right now.
You May Feel Lost — That’s Normal
If this is your first time dealing with police or the court system, everything feels foreign. You may feel like you’re completely out of your depth — and worried that one mistake could ruin your future.
But just because you’ve been charged does not mean you’ll be convicted.
The law requires the Crown to prove every part of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt — and many cases are far more defensible than they first appear.
👉 Don’t face this alone — call {lawyer} today at {tel} for answers.
Be Careful Who You Talk To — Speak Only With a Criminal Defence Lawyer
When you're facing a criminal charge, it's natural to want to explain what happened — to friends, family, coworkers, or anyone who asks.
But that can be dangerous.
👉 Words can be misunderstood or misquoted later.
👉 Even casual conversations can end up being used as evidence.
👉 What you say — to anyone — might be taken out of context.
The safest thing you can do right now is stay quiet — and speak only to an experienced criminal defence lawyer.
👉 And not just any lawyer — criminal defence is highly specialized. The advice you need comes from someone who handles these cases every day.
👉 Call {lawyer} today at {tel} for the right advice — before you say something that could make things worse.
What You’ll Find On This Page
👉 What happens after you’re charged with theft?
👉 What penalties and consequences you may face.
👉 What defences may apply to your case.
👉 How an experienced defence lawyer can protect your record.
👉 Why early legal advice gives you more options.
👉 How Alternative Measures and diversion may help avoid a conviction.
Facing Theft Charges? You’re Not Alone — And You Have Options.
Being charged with theft is scary — especially if it’s your first time dealing with the police or court system.
You may feel embarrassed, ashamed, or completely overwhelmed.
You may be worried about your job, your future, or your family.
Whether it was a misunderstanding, a mistake, or a false accusation — or whether you’re simply afraid of how bad this could get — you are not out of options.
Just because you’ve been charged does not mean you’ll be convicted.
👉 The sooner you call {lawyer}, the more we can do: {tel}
Why Theft Charges Are Serious
Even if theft doesn’t seem like a "serious crime" to some people, the consequences can be life-changing — especially if you're convicted.
A theft conviction can lead to:
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A permanent criminal record
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Loss of job opportunities
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Immigration or travel problems
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Fines, probation, or jail time
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Loss of professional licensing
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Long-term damage to your reputation and trust
👉 Protect your future before it’s too late — call {lawyer} at {tel}.
Types of Theft Charges We Defend
Theft charges come in many forms. {lawyer} defends people charged with:
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Theft under $5,000 (including shoplifting and employee theft)
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Theft over $5,000
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Possession of stolen property (PSP)
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Identity theft or fraudulent use of personal information
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Credit card fraud or bank card theft
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Theft from an employer
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Auto theft or joyriding
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Theft from a vehicle
👉 If you’re charged with any form of theft,
call {lawyer} at {tel} for a confidential consultation.
What Penalties Could You Face?
The penalties for theft depend on the type of charge, your record, and how the Crown prosecutes the case.
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Theft under $5,000: Up to 2 years in jail
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Theft over $5,000: Up to 10 years in jail
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Possession of stolen property: Similar penalties depending on value
👉 Don’t assume the worst — find out your real options by calling {lawyer} today: {tel}.
Surprising Ways a Criminal Defence Lawyer Can Help
Most people don’t realize how many ways an experienced defence lawyer can help protect them:
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Negotiating for diversions or withdrawals that avoid a record
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Finding weaknesses in the Crown’s case that others might miss
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Identifying improper police procedures or Charter violations
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Correcting wrong assumptions about how courts handle sentencing
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Helping you avoid consequences you may not even be aware of
👉 Before you make any decision, talk to {lawyer}.
One conversation could change everything: {tel}.
Strategic Defence for Theft Charges
{lawyer} carefully reviews every case to build the strongest possible defence.
Depending on your situation, possible defences may include:
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No intent to steal
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Mistaken ownership or belief you had a right to the property
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Lack of knowledge that property was stolen (in PSP cases)
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Identity issues — mistaken identity or weak evidence
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False or exaggerated allegations
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Charter violations during investigation or arrest
👉 Every case is unique.
Let {lawyer} review yours. Call {tel} for a free consultation.
Alternatives to Conviction — You May Have Options
Not every theft charge has to end with a conviction or trial.
Depending on your case, {lawyer} may be able to negotiate:
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Alternative Measures or Diversion (community service, counselling, or courses)
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Peace bonds
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Withdrawals or discharges that avoid a permanent record
👉 The sooner you act, the more options may be available. Call {lawyer} today at {tel}.
Don’t Take Legal Advice From Friends (Or Non-Criminal Lawyers)
Friends and family may mean well — but their advice can be dangerously wrong.
For example:
Two people steal the same purse from the same store on the same day.
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The first person pleads guilty and gets a fine.
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The second person pleads guilty and gets 30 days in jail.
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Why? The second person worked for the store — making it a breach of trust.
Even non-criminal lawyers sometimes give bad advice because they don’t understand the nuances of criminal law.
👉 Don’t plead guilty without first talking to a real defence lawyer: {tel}.
What To Do After You’ve Been Charged
If you’ve been charged with theft, here’s what you should do right away:
❌ Don’t speak to police or investigators without legal advice.
🤐 Don’t explain your side to friends, family, or social media.
✅ Call a criminal defence lawyer immediately.
📲 Write down everything you remember while it's still fresh.
🗓️ Attend all court appearances as required.
👉 The sooner you call, the better your defence — {tel}.
💬 What People Say
“I thought one mistake would ruin everything. My lawyer walked me through the process, fought for me, and helped me resolve my charge without a criminal record. I finally feel like I have my life back.”
🔍 Real Example
In R. v. J.H., 2020, the accused was charged with theft under $5,000 for allegedly shoplifting from a retail store. Surveillance showed someone placing items into a bag, but the video quality was poor, and no clear identification could be made.
The defence argued that the Crown had not proven identity beyond a reasonable doubt. The judge agreed, noting the lack of direct evidence linking the accused to the alleged theft. The charge was dismissed.
🔗 Need a Bit More Information About Theft Charges?
Every theft case is different. If you're looking for more information while you consider your next steps, these pages may help:
Worried about pleading guilty too soon?
See our Never Plead Guilty page to understand why pleading guilty on theft charges without full legal advice can leave you with a criminal record you may have been able to avoid.
Wondering what penalties you may face for theft?
Visit our Criminal Penalties page for a clear breakdown of sentencing ranges for theft under, theft over, and related property offences.
Concerned about legal fees for theft defence?
Check out our Legal Fees page — experienced theft defence may be far more affordable than you expect.
Thinking about representing yourself on theft charges?
Visit our Can I Represent Myself? page to see why professional defence is especially important in theft and property-related cases.
Need help with other charges?
Visit our Criminal Defence Home Page to see the full range of charges we defend.
Every Situation Is Different — That’s Why You Need Real Legal Advice
No website can give you advice tailored to your exact situation.
The real answers come after you speak with an experienced criminal defence lawyer who can review your facts, explain your options, and help you protect your future.
👉 Call {lawyer} today at {tel} for a free, confidential consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is “possession of stolen property”?
It means you had goods in your possession that were stolen — even if you didn’t steal them yourself. If the Crown believes you knew or should have known the items were stolen, you can be charged.
Q: What’s the difference between theft under and over $5,000?
It’s based on the value of the property. Theft over $5,000 carries more serious penalties.
Q: Do I have a defence?
You might. If you didn’t intend to steal, believed the item was yours, or didn’t know the property was stolen, these may be valid defences. {lawyer} will help you understand your options.
Q: What is the Alternative Measures Program?
It’s a court-approved program that may allow you to resolve your case without a criminal conviction, often involving community service or counselling.
Q: Can I avoid a criminal record?
In many cases, yes — especially for first-time offenders. Early legal help can open doors to options that avoid permanent records.