Toronto Shoplifting Lawyers
Charged with Shoplifting?
Don't let a criminal record impact your future
Shoplifting Lawyers for Toronto
Charged with Shoplifting?
Don't let a criminal record impact your future
Shoplifting Lawyers
Shoplifting & Theft Under Lawyers for Toronto & Throughout the GTA
Winning defence lawyers for Shoplifting charges in Toronto and throughout the GTA. Our team of Ontario shoplifting lawyers provides a complete winning defence from $995.
Lawyer appears for you! Charged with theft over as a result of a shoplifting allegation? We’ll appear in court for you (You do not need to attend court), to get your charges dropped.
Our Toronto shoplifting lawyers work to ensure your case is resolved with:
- No criminal record
- Charges withdrawn
- We’ll appear in court for you, and
- Flat fee affordable representation from $995
We understand being charged with shoplifting is a stressful experience. We’ll appear in court for you and work to have your charges dropped completely, with no criminal record. Our lawyers can provide you with advice and information about disputing a shoplifting charge, how a criminal record affects you, and traveling to the USA.
Avoid the serious implications of a shoplifting conviction and the effect on your travel, employment and any immigration issues with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Don’t let a shoplifting charge derail your future with a criminal record and huge legal fees. Our team of experienced shoplifting lawyers will take care of your case from beginning to withdrawal at an affordable fee.
Let us help you navigate this challenging situation and avoid a criminal record.
Shoplifting & Theft Under
Penalties of a Shoplifting Conviction
Shoplifting and theft under $5000, may seem minor but the penalties can follow you for life, especially the implications of a criminal record.
The consequences of a shoplifting conviction can be severe and long-lasting. If you are convicted of shoplifting, you may face:
- Criminal record for life
- Fines, probation and risk of jail
- Job loss as a result of a criminal conviction and/or ineligibility
- Loss of immigration status or deportation
In addition, a shoplifting conviction can have a range of other negative impacts on your life, including:
- Travel restrictions, e.g. no travel to USA
- Public disclosure of your case in the media or online legal databases
- Your criminal record is shared with law enforcement agencies in Canada and other countries
- Problems with immigration, permanent residence, and citizenship applications will be affected
- Ineligibility for certain professions, jobs, and other opportunities, e.g. lawyers, government jobs, military, police, accountants, real-estate agents
- Criminal record will appear on vulnerable sector checks, police background checks, ability to volunteer where clearance is required
Being accused of theft and shoplifting, even if you are not convicted, can also harm your reputation and limit your opportunities.
It’s important to understand that just being charged with shoplifting, theft under $5000 or possession of property obtained by crime, can result in your personal information being shared with law enforcement agencies and other countries. This can have implications for travel, immigration, and employment opportunities in the future.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to proactively avoid and address these potential problems. Working with a skilled criminal lawyer who specializes in theft and fraud related charges can help you navigate this complex and challenging situation and protect your future.
How are shoplifting charges withdrawn (dropped)?
When someone is charged with shoplifting or theft under $5000, the most desirable outcome is for the Crown Attorney to withdraw the charges.
As shoplifting lawyers our goal to achieve this outcome and ensure that you avoid a criminal record.
Our primary focus is to getting shoplifting and theft charges dropped. We use a range of strategies to accomplish this goal, including negotiating agreements with the Crown that allow you to avoid community service hours and counseling. In cases where the Crown is seeking a peace bonds or an excessive community service requirement, we work to present alternative arrangements that can help our clients avoid this outcome and the negative consequences and aggravations that come with it.
This means having a criminal shoplifting lawyer to work tirelessly to negotiate favorable outcomes that minimize the impact of the of a shoplifting allegation. We understand how stressful and overwhelming it can be to face shoplifting or theft charges, and we strive to provide effective and compassionate representation to help our clients navigate this difficult situation.
When it comes to reducing or withdrawing shoplifting charges the crown attorney will look at the following factors prior to any resolution:
- Criminal history: Does the accused have an previous allegations, charges or convictions for similar theft charges.
- Criminal record: Does the accused have a criminal record for any other criminal activity
- What was taken: What was the value of the item(s), how many were taken
- Actions of accused: Was there obvious intent, e.g. prices altered, removed or tapered
- Accused: What was the attitude & reaction of the accused, where there children present
If you’re facing shoplifting or theft charges, call today. There is no fee or obligation to discuss your case with a lawyer experienced in theft under offences and shoplifting allegations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the store security hold me?
Yes, stores in Canada have the legal right to detain individuals. Where an agent of the company (a security officer) finds a person committing the criminal offence of theft under they may arrest that person.
The security officer are required to contact the police as soon as possible and turn the person over to the authorities forthwith. The police will then investigate the incident and determine if charges should be laid. It’s important to note that a person who is detained by a store has the right to remain silent and the right to legal counsel. If a person is wrongfully detained or subjected to unreasonable force during the detention, they may have legal recourse against the store.
How long will my case take to finish?
Once you’ve retained the services of one of our shoplifting lawyers, we’ll take care of things for you.
The first court date, the date the officer gave you is called a “set date” or “first appearance”. We’ll appear for you at court and speak on your behalf. In Ontario for shoplifting offences, lawyers and licensed members of the Law Society of Ontario can appear on behalf of their clients.
On occasion the crown attorney is able to deal with your matter on the first court date. The crown may offer a resolution to the charge that fits with our requirement to ensure the charge is dropped without a criminal record. Sometimes the crown is unable to do this because of time restrains, lack of disclosure or some other factor requiring additional court appearances.
As a general rule we expect to fully complete your case within 45 days of the first appearance date.
What else does your legal fee include?
Our legal fee covers advise and your complete legal representation at court. There are no hidden or “extra fees”.
Where you need advice or have a question, we’re happy to make explanations and find answers for you.
What is the Penalty for Shoplifting in Ontario
In Ontario, shoplifting is a criminal offense under the Criminal Code of Canada. The punishment for shoplifting depends on the value of the stolen merchandise, and can include fines, jail time, and a criminal record. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- If the value of the stolen merchandise is less than $5,000, it is considered a “summary conviction” offense, which can result in a fine of up to $5,000 and/or up to 6 months in jail.
- If the value of the stolen merchandise is more than $5,000, it is considered an “indictable” offense, which can result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
Convictions for shoplifting result in a criminal record, which can affect future employment opportunities, travel, and other aspects of life.
Even if an individual is not sentenced to jail time, having a criminal record can still have significant consequences. Additionally, a Ontario shoplifting charges show up on a background check, which can make it difficult to secure employment or travel outside of the province. As a result, it is important to seek the assistance of a shoplifting lawyer and to seek legal advice to understand the potential consequences and options for defence.
Discuss your case with a shoplifting lawyer | Call today
Being charged with a criminal offence is stressful, but you don’t have to face it alone. Call and speak with a shoplifting lawyer and learn how we can help you. We provide effective and affordable legal representation for all individuals facing these charges throughout Ontario.
Work with a lawyer experienced with theft under and shoplifting charges. Invest in your future by keeping your record clear. Yes you might be able to appear by yourself, but if something goes wrong, then what? Call today and let’s just talk about it.
