Dependable Fraud Lawyer in Orangeville to Defend Against Theft and Fraud Charges

Theft and fraud are some of the most common charges people face in the criminal courts. These offences can range from minor charges, like shoplifting, to major ones involving million-dollar frauds. You can turn to the Richard Allman Law Office to defend against fraud and theft charges in Brampton and Orangeville. He will vigorously defend you against these charges in court, and use his full knowledge of the legal system to achieve a verdict in your favour.

What Is Fraud & Theft?

Under Section 380 (1) of the Criminal Code of Canada, you can be charged with fraud if "by deceit, falsehood or other fraudulent means, defrauds the public or any person of any property, money or valuable security or any service”. Alternatively, theft is defined under Section 322 (1) as “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…”.

Fraud

Fraud can be categorized into two levels, fraud that exceeds five thousand dollars value and fraud where the subject matter is under five thousand dollars worth of value. In both types of fraud, the magnitude of harm and whether or not the public is being targeted helps determine the effect and consequence.

As per Section cc. 380. (1) of the Criminal Code of Canada, anyone found guilty of fraud over $5000 is guilty of a criminal offence that is punishable by law.

Under the Criminal Code of Canada, Section cc. 380. (1)(b), anyone found guilty of fraud under $5000 is guilty of a criminal offence that is punishable by a term of imprisonment for up to two years.

Theft

The crime of theft involves someone taking possession of something, or taking steps to move, or eventually converting the object in a fraudulent manner. The intent to take possession or moving the object must be established to identify if the possession is illegal. There are two types of theft in Canada, under $5000 and over $5000.

As per Section 334(b) of the Criminal Code of Canada, anyone who commits theft where the value of what is stolen below $5,000, is guilty of an offence that is punishable on summary conviction.

Anyone who commits a theft where the value of the property is more than $5,000 will be charged with an indictable offence that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment as per Section 334(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada.

Difference Between Theft and Fraud

$5000 is a dividing line that determines both fraud and theft and splits both the offences into two different classes of severity based on value/amount, as identified by law. Why would an act be considered theft versus fraud?

The method involved in obtaining the funds determines whether the crime is a fraud or a theft. While the victim of theft or fraud focuses on the result of the offence, the law differentiates between money obtained by force, threats, or furtiveness rather than guile or trickery - the former being theft and the latter being fraud.

Get in Touch

Richard Allan and his team have extensive experience in defending both small and large-scale theft and fraud cases. No matter how small your property charge is, it can have a major implication on your life. If you’re in trouble and are looking for a fraud lawyer in Orangeville, contact Richard Allman Law Office today.