The Different Forms of Theft

Fortunately for its residents, Canada is a country that has a great standard of living. Canadians enjoy the benefits of political stability and economic security that is envied by many. However, Canada is not perfect and crime still occurs here — particularly theft.

News reports of theft are common. An armed criminal will try to steal thousands of dollars from a bank. A trusted white-collar executive is found guilty of embezzling millions from a corporation.

But common everyday theft is not as newsworthy.

Section 322 of the Criminal Code states that a person commits theft if he or she intentionally, fraudulently, and “without color of right” takes or converts to his or her use or to the use of another, any property with intent to:

• Deprive the owner of their property or interest in it
• Use the stolen property as a deposit or security
• Part with the stolen property under a condition with respect to its return that the person who parts with it may be unable to perform
• Deal with it in such a manner that the stolen property cannot be restored to the condition it was in at the time it was taken or converted

A skilled criminal defence lawyer in Ontario can help if you have been charged with theft.

Assorted Forms of Theft

Shoplifting is one of the most familiar types of theft. Data collected from Forum Research indicates that Canadians shoplift more than Americans. The degree of punishment for the offender will vary depending on the value of the item(s) stolen. Regarded as a less serious infraction, a shoplifter would be charged under s.334(b) of the Criminal Code with theft under $5,000.

Identity theft occurs when someone knowingly and willfully appropriates the personal information about another individual and uses that information illegally. The stolen personal information is frequently used to open credit cards, purchase goods online, access bank accounts, and commit other types of theft.

Fraud is another form of theft that occurs when an individual purposefully deceives someone to cause harm to that person. Most fraud cases are financial in nature and the sentencing of someone who has been convicted of fraud will depend on various factors such as the background of the offender, the circumstances involved, and the amount of money involved.

White-collar crimes may include tax evasion, money laundering, fraud, and writing bad checks. Defending white-collar crimes requires complicated litigation strategies, so it is best to work with a criminal defence lawyer who has experience with this type of theft.

Criminal Defence Lawyers in Ontario

The experienced lawyers of Kruse Law have successfully defended theft and other criminal charges for decades. A theft conviction can significantly limit a person’s ability to find gainful employment, travel, and, in some cases, housing.

If you or someone you love has been charged with theft or any other crime, contact our firm immediately. We will reply to all inquiries within one business day.

There are several ways to win a theft case at trial. If the crown has a strong case against you, it is imperative that you hire a lawyer who can negotiate the best possible plea deal for you. Our lawyers can give you the best opportunity to ensure either the dismissal of your case or obtain the lightest sentence possible. Call our office toll-free today at +1-800-699-0806 or schedule a free consultation.