Property crime charges carry severe penalties in Ontario that can affect your personal and professional life. Whether you’ve been accused of theft, arson, damage to property, or another crime, you don’t have to face the charge alone. At Stastny Law, our experienced property crime lawyers in Toronto offer reliable legal representation to protect your rights and freedoms.
If you’re dealing with a property crime charge, contact our legal team as soon as you can. We can advise you on your legal options before you speak to the police, and prevent you from saying anything that may be used as evidence against you. To schedule a consultation today, call us at 416-303-5164 or email us at info@stastnylaw.com.
What Defines a Property Offence in Ontario?
Under the Criminal Code of Canada, property offences involve illegal activities that result in damage, destruction, or unlawful possession of property. Property offences fall under a broad classification of crime but are normally divided based on whether:
- There was force or the threat of force used during the offence
- The property was stolen, destroyed, or damaged
- Money was involved
- And other circumstances
Crimes can range from minor vandalism to serious offences like arson. The following are all classified as property offences in Toronto and across Ontario:
- Theft
- Robbery (armed or unarmed)
- Breaking and entering
- Possession of burglary tools
- Being unlawfully in a dwelling
- Trespassing at night
- Forcible entry
- Vandalism
- Arson
- Fraud
- Extortion
- Mischief
- And more
Understanding the type of charge you’re dealing with is essential, as penalties can differ depending on the severity of the crime. Our team at Stastny Law can help you understand the potential outcomes of your specific charge.
Types of Property-Related Offences Our Firm Can Assist With
In Ontario, property-related crimes encompass a wide range of activities. Whether you’re facing simple charges for vandalism or a more complex offence like fraud, each charge has distinct legal implications under the law. Below are some of the most common property crime charges our Toronto lawyers at Stastny Law can handle:
Theft
Theft involves illegally taking someone else’s property with the intent of permanently depriving the owner of it. In Ontario, theft charges are generally divided into:
- Theft under $5,000: The most common type of theft, which normally includes shoplifting and other ‘petty’ crimes
- Theft over $5,000: This type of theft is normally accompanied by more severe penalties, including more lengthy jail sentences. These charges might be related to carjacking or embezzlement.
If you are facing a theft charge, our lawyers will assess the evidence of your case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. We can attempt to argue lack of intent, mistaken identity, or, in certain cases, your right to the property in question.
Robbery
Robbery is a form of theft that involves violence or the threat of violence to obtain property. Because robbery includes an element of force, it’s normally treated seriously by law enforcement. For this reason, it can also carry higher penalties.
Robbery cases often rely on witness testimony and evidence of intent. Our defence strategy for clients accused of robbery focuses on scrutinizing the reliability of evidence presented by the prosecution. This might include surveillance footage or eyewitness accounts. We can also challenge the severity of charges based on the specific circumstances of your case.
Fraud
Fraud takes place when an individual intentionally deceives another party for financial gain or to receive unauthorized benefits. Fraud charges can range from credit card fraud to identity theft or large-scale corporate fraud cases. Depending on the amount of assets stolen, fraud charges are taken seriously and can result in lengthy prison sentences.
Fraud cases can be complex and often require a detailed analysis of electronic records or other financial documents. Our lawyers at Stastny Law have experience examining these types of evidence. In doing so, we can identify procedural errors and challenge the validity of the prosecution’s argument.
Breaking and Entering
Breaking and entering, commonly referred to as “B&E,” involves entering a building or property illegally with the intent to commit a crime, like theft or robbery. This kind of charge is normally applied when a person enters someone’s home, office, or other property without permission, regardless of whether property damage occurred.
When it comes to breaking and entering charges, our lawyers normally examine the intent behind our client’s actions. This is because intent is normally an important component of a breaking and entering conviction. We can argue that the intent to commit a crime did not exist or that our client entered the premises by mistake, based on the circumstances. Our team is skilled in negotiating with prosecutors to seek alternative resolutions or reduced charges whenever possible, especially if no harm or theft occurred.
Arson
Arson is the intentional setting of property on fire. It is considered a serious crime in Ontario. If the act places lives and other properties at risk, the penalties can be severe. For example, an arson charge can result in a long prison term.
We can challenge evidence that links our client to the arson during our defence. This might involve scrutinizing witness statements, fire investigation reports, and other forensic data. We can also work closely with independent fire experts to verify the actual source of the fire. When possible, our Toronto property crime lawyers will seek to demonstrate that the fire was accidental or caused by external factors.
Vandalism
Vandalism, which can often also be charged as mischief under Canadian law, involves the intentional destruction or defacement of property without the owner’s consent. Common examples of vandalism might include:
- Graffiti
- Breaking windows
- Damaging vehicles
- Destroying or altering computer data
- And more
When defending against vandalism charges, our lawyers will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident to challenge the prosecution’s account. If possible, we’ll argue that the damage was unintentional or exaggerated. In some cases, first-time offenders may be eligible for alternative sentencing options, like community service or restitution.
Why Choose Stastny Law Property Crime Lawyers?
Choosing Stastny Law means collaborating with a team that understands the complexities of property crime law in Ontario. Our lawyers are committed to providing supportive, speedy representation to every client.
When you work with us, you can expect assistance with:
- Case Evaluation: We’ll meet with you to discuss the details of your case, assess the evidence, and explain the legal process you will need to undergo. This way, we can understand your charges and identify potential defence strategies.
- Legal Guidance: Our team can provide accurate legal advice when it comes to your charges, the penalties you may be facing, and your defence options. We can help you with every step of the process, from conversations with law enforcement to courtroom procedures.
- Creating a Strategic Defence: Crafting a defence strategy tailored to your unique needs and situation is of the utmost importance to our team. Our Toronto property crime lawyers can analyze the specifics of your case and develop defence tactics that challenge the prosecution’s evidence. Our goal is to create a response that addresses all aspects of your charges.
- Representation in Court: Our experienced criminal lawyers advocate for you during pre-trial hearings, motions, negotiations, and the trial itself. We will cross-examine witnesses, attempt to prevent evidence from being heard, and deliver powerful statements in court on your behalf. Having our team on your side in the courtroom can help you feel more confident throughout the legal process.
Contact Our Experienced Property Crime Lawyers in Toronto Today
If you or a loved one is facing property crime charges, the legal team at Stastny Law is here to help. No matter what type of charge you’re facing or its severity, we can defend you. Our lawyers will review your case, discuss your options, and begin building a defence to protect your future as soon as possible.
Don’t delay – schedule a consultation with our Toronto property crime lawyers today. You can call us at 416-303-5164 or email us at info@stastnylaw.com.
