Charged with theft or shoplifting charges? Our lawyers can help.

The criminal defence lawyers at Robichaud’s have a wealth of experience defending individuals against theft, fraud, and other property-related crimes. We have a proven track record of successfully defending against charges of theft and other property offences, from minor shoplifting to multi-million dollar fraud cases.

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You’re not alone. Theft and shoplifting charges are common.

If you’ve been charged with shoplifting or theft, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common offences that come before the court, and many people who are charged with theft have no prior involvement in the law and are otherwise people of good character. Our lawyers understand that people can act impulsively or make poor judgments, or may even have mental health issues that lead to these charges.

Small offences can have large consequences. Don’t let a minor theft charge ruin your life.

The consequences of a criminal theft conviction can be severe, including bans from certain premises under the Trespass to Property Act, civil lawsuits, loss of employment, and even incarceration. That’s why it’s crucial to seek the help of an experienced lawyer who can advise you on the best approach to take in addressing theft or fraud charges.

Our lawyers can not only help you with the criminal charges of theft, but also with the other consequences that may come from being charged. We can provide valuable legal advice and follow up with the charging police force to expunge criminal records and fingerprints if charges are withdrawn or if you’re found not guilty of the offence.

No theft or fraud case is too big or small for our experienced lawyers to defend. We have a proven track record of success, and we’re here to help you. Call us today at (416) 999-8389 to discuss your case and how we can help. Our initial consultations are always free and without obligation.

Call us today at (416) 999-8389 to discuss your options.

Examples of our lawyers’ past experience in theft, fraud, and monetary crimes:

R. v. W.K. Superior Court of Justice (Brampton)

Charges: Possession of Stolen Property Over $5000.00; Possession of burglar tools | Allegations: Police officer notices a suspicious transport truck driving in an industrial area at night, followed by a SUV. Upon surveillance, the police officer views the transport truck park and the person inside exit the truck and enter the SUV. Police pull over the SUV and further investigation uncovers the transport truck to be stolen. Upon search of the SUV, various suspicious items found inside.

Result: Motion for non-suit granted: Not guilty on all charges.

Charges: Home Invasion Robbery with a Firearm, etc. | Allegations that accused set up friend to be robbed for $12,000.00 with the assistance of co-accused and another individual that was never arrested. Police asserted that accused (AN) had exclusive knowledge of the whereabouts of the money, spoke to, met up with, and SMS texted the co-accused and other accomplice prior to the robbery. Upon arrival, AN entered the premises with other suspects and police alleged feigned being a victim of the robbery. Trial set for 3 weeks with significant motions surrounding the admissibility of phone records and statements.

Result: All charges withdrawn for client AN. (Co-accused, whom I did not represent pleads guilty and receives penitentiary sentence).

Charges: Theft Under x2, Assault with Intent to Resist Arrest, Assault, etc.; | Allegations: While at home Depot, accused was alleged to have stolen expensive drill bits and other items. He attempts to flee from security officers in the process and assaults them in so doing. The trial ran for multiple days. Result: Charges stayed. A constitutional application was brought on the basis that home Depot and the police were negligent in destroying the video surveillance tapes that defence wanted to use as part of their defence in denying the allegations.

Result: Judge agreed and stayed the charges.

Charges: Fraud Over $5000.00. Allegations: Employee alleged to have embezzled a significant amount of money from employer (over $50,000) through her signing authority.

Result: All charges withdrawn.

Charges: Possession of Property Obtained by crime Over $5000.00 x 3; Possession of Property Obtained by crime Under $5000 x 3; Possession of Marijuana for the Purpose of Trafficking; Allegations: Two individuals alleged to have been running a massive operation by selling stolen items on EBay and similar forums. Upon search of the home, police allege to have found stolen vehicles, electronics, controlled substances, and other items of interest along with large amounts of money.

Result: C.S. pleads to one count of possession of property obtained by crime and one count of marijuana possession and receives 12 months probation. All charges against A.S. are withdrawn.

Charges: Break and Enter into a Dwelling, Possession of Property Obtained by crime. Allegations: Accused of being party a break and enter into a dwelling and then a subsequent escape in a motor vehicle.

Result: All charges withdrawn

Charges: Possession of Stolen Vehicles (Possession of Property Over $5000.00). Allegations: Accused being party to a “chop shop” where vehicles where stolen and then taken to be refitted.

Result: All charges dismissed

Charges: Mischief Under x 11 | Allegations: Accused of causing damage to 11 cars on the way home from the bar with two co-accused. Co-accused both plead guilty. M.M. went to trial. Constitutional application brought forward.

Result: Charges withdrawn in the face of Constitutional Application

Charges: Possession of Property Obtained by crime / Use of Counterfeit Credit Card x 2 / Fraudulent use of Credit Card | Allegations: Accused with two others of being party to using a fraudulent credit card to purchase items from a retain store.

Result: Not guilty on all counts

Charges: Obstruct Police, Possession of Stolen Property Under $5000.00 | Allegations: Accused of being party to passing fraudulent cheques that were stolen from a break and enter into a business.

Result: Charges withdrawn

Charges: Theft Under, Possession of Stolen Property | Allegations: Accused of being an insider to stealing merchandise from a retain store where a smaller item would be purchased, and then a larger, more expensive item, would be picked up at the pick-up dock. | Result: Charges withdrawn after charitable donation made to Sick Kids Hospital.

Charges: Causing a Public Disturbance | Allegations: Accused of causing a disturbance in Barrie after attending a local drinking establishment

Result: Not guilty

Charges: Theft Under, Possession of Stolen Property. Allegations: Accused of a party to stealing clothing item in a retail store. Caught on camera.

Result: Not guilty

Charges: Theft Under, Assault With a Weapon, Weapons Dangerous | Allegations: Accused was alleged to have taken the victim’s bicycle with a co-accused. The co-accused got away but the accused was chased down by the victim. Before police arrive, the accused was alleged to have thrown a glass bottle at the victim’s head.

Result: Not Guilty on all counts as charges but guilty of simple assault.

Charges: Uttering Forged document; Failure to Attend Court | Allegations: Accused of using a Health Card that was not hers.

Result: Absolute Discharge for Forged document; Failure to Attend withdrawn

Charges: Theft Under (Breach of Trust – Employee/Employer Relationship) | Allegations: Accused of stealing merchandise from a retail store while working there

Result: Conditional Discharge

Charges: Theft Over $5000.00. Allegations: Client is alleged to be the driver of a car that was followed by police and then determined to be stolen. Client is arrested a short distance away from stolen vehicle.

Result: Charges withdrawn at Preliminary Hearing

Charges: Robbery | Allegations: Accused, along with other participants, set up victim and take him out to a park where he beats him, robs him, takes his bank card and money, and leaves him without any clothes other than his underwear on. Victim attends stranger’s home for assistance, then hospital, then reports to police.

Result: Plea of guilt entered. Sentenced to house arrest (conditional sentence) for a period of one year.

Charges: Theft Under, Assault With a Weapon, Weapons Dangerous | Allegations: Accused was alleged to have taken the victim’s bicycle with a co-accused. The co-accused got away but the accused was chased down by the victim. Before police arrive, the accused was alleged to have thrown a glass bottle at the victim’s head.

Result: Not Guilty on all counts as charges but guilty of simple assault.

DISCLAIMER: Every criminal case is unique and every case has it’s own challenges.  Past acquittals, withdrawals, or other favourable results our lawyers have achieved for our clients in theft, fraud, and shoplifting cases does not mean the same result can be obtained for present or future clients.  We look at each case with it’s own unique characteristics and fashion our approach on the individual, not the crime itself.

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