Home / Theft, Robbery & Property Crimes
Defending Your Rights, Protecting Your Future
Overview
Being charged with theft, robbery, or a property-related crime can be overwhelming. Even a relatively minor charge like shoplifting can result in a criminal record that affects your ability to work, travel, or study. More serious allegations—such as robbery or break and enter—carry the risk of lengthy penitentiary sentences and life-altering consequences.
Sanctuary Lawyers has over a decade of experience defending clients charged with theft, robbery, and property offences. Robbery is a straight indictable offence under s. 344 of the Criminal Code, making it one of the most serious property crimes in Canada. Our team has successfully represented clients in cases ranging from low-quantum theft to robbery with a firearm.
From our Aurora office, we represent clients across Ontario and appear regularly in courthouses in Newmarket, Brampton, Oshawa, Barrie, and beyond. Our goal is to protect your rights, challenge every element of the Crown’s case, and safeguard your future from the first court date through trial.
Understanding
Theft and property offences are defined under the Criminal Code of Canada and vary in seriousness depending on the value of the property, the presence of violence, and whether weapons were involved.
Theft is defined as taking or converting property “fraudulently and without colour of right” with the intent to:
Robbery is theft committed with violence, threats, or a weapon. It is always indictable and one of the most serious property crimes. Under s. 344(1)(a) and (a.1), enhanced minimum sentences apply where a restricted or prohibited firearm was used, where a firearm was used in association with a criminal organization, or where any firearm was used in the commission of the offence.
Entering a place with intent to commit an indictable offence. Breaking into a dwelling carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Interfering with, damaging, or destroying property, including data. Penalties increase if the mischief endangers life.
Knowingly possessing property obtained through crime. The Crown must prove knowledge beyond a reasonable doubt, which is often contested.
Even first-time or low-value offences can leave you with a permanent criminal record, making it essential to have a defence team who will challenge every element of the charge.
Practice
Our team has defended clients on both ends of the spectrum—from low-quantum shoplifting cases to complex employee theft and misappropriation allegations. For first-time offenders, we focus on securing diversion or discharges to avoid a criminal record. For higher-value thefts, we challenge every element of the charge, including ownership, intent, and continuity of the property.
Robbery is among the most serious property offences and is always indictable. Where firearms are alleged, mandatory minimum sentences under s. 344(1)(a) or (a.1) may apply. We challenge every aspect of the Crown’s case, including identification evidence, eyewitness reliability, forensic links, and Charter compliance. Our team has successfully defended robbery cases involving firearms, reducing exposure to multi-year penitentiary sentences.
Breaking into a dwelling house carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, making preparation and early strategy crucial. For non-dwelling places, the maximum is 10 years. We scrutinize search warrants, surveillance, and forensic evidence and meet with our clients regularly to ensure no defence is overlooked before trial.
Mischief can include vandalism, graffiti, or interference with property or data. We negotiate restitution-based resolutions whenever possible to avoid convictions, but are fully prepared to defend allegations where intent or identity is in doubt.
We focus on the Crown’s burden to prove knowledge that the property was obtained by crime. Circumstantial evidence is often at play, and we carefully test whether the inference of guilt is the only reasonable one available on the facts. Where possible, we pursue alternative resolutions such as restitution to minimize long-term impact.
Our Difference
With over a decade of experience, Sanctuary Lawyers has successfully defended clients charged with offences at every level—from low-value thefts to robbery with a firearm. We understand how the Crown approaches these cases and challenge every element they must prove, from intent to identification.
From our Aurora office, we represent clients in courthouses across Southern Ontario, including Newmarket, Brampton, Oshawa, Barrie, and more. Our familiarity with local court practices and Crown policies helps us tailor our defence to the unique expectations of each jurisdiction.
Preparation is key to success in theft, robbery, and property crime cases. We schedule regular meetings with our clients to review evidence, develop defences, and ensure no detail is missed as the case progresses toward trial.
Our focus is on protecting your record and avoiding jail where possible. That means pursuing diversion or alternative sentencing when available—or preparing a trial-ready defence when the Crown’s case must be contested.
You will have direct access to your lawyer, receive bi-weekly updates, and get clear, timely advice so that you are never left wondering about the status of your case.
Step by Step
We begin with a confidential consultation to learn about your case, explain the charges, and provide immediate guidance. If you are charged with robbery or a serious property crime, contact us right away so we can start building your defence from day one.
Our team reviews all disclosure, including surveillance footage, police notes, witness statements, and forensic evidence. We schedule regular meetings with you to discuss the evidence in detail and identify information that may support your defence.
We develop a strategy designed to protect your record and avoid incarceration where possible. For serious allegations like robbery, we prepare a comprehensive plan to challenge identification, eyewitness reliability, and Charter compliance.
Where resolution is possible, we negotiate firmly for diversion, charge reductions, or alternative sentencing. If trial is necessary, we prepare thoroughly to challenge the Crown’s case and advance every available defence.
You will receive bi-weekly updates, direct communication with your lawyer, and continuous guidance as your matter progresses toward resolution or trial.
What's at Stake
Penalties depend on the value of the property. Theft under $5,000 can result in fines, probation, or up to two years less a day in jail. Theft over $5,000 is indictable and can result in up to 10 years in prison. A conviction—even for minor theft—creates a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, travel, and immigration status.
Robbery is one of the most serious property crimes and carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Under s. 344(1)(a) and (a.1) of the Criminal Code, mandatory minimum sentences apply where:
Caselaw has established that the typical sentencing range for a robbery conviction is in excess of two years (a penitentiary sentence). Our lawyers focus on challenging the Crown’s case to reduce or eliminate jail exposure wherever possible.
Breaking into a dwelling carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Non-dwelling break and enters carry a maximum of 10 years if prosecuted by indictment. These penalties underscore the importance of a strong, early defence.
Mischief penalties vary depending on the value and circumstances of the damage. Where mischief endangers life, the maximum penalty is life imprisonment.
For low-value or first-time offences, courts may allow entry into diversion programs such as the Direct Accountability Program (DAP). Successful completion of community-based sanctions, counselling, or restitution agreements can result in charges being withdrawn and a criminal record avoided.
Transparent
At Sanctuary Lawyers, we provide clear and predictable fee structures for property crime cases.
For most theft, robbery, and property crime cases, we offer a single block fee that covers your entire matter—from disclosure review through trial or negotiated resolution. This gives you cost certainty and peace of mind with no hidden surprises, even if the case becomes complex.
We understand that criminal charges can create significant financial stress. Flexible payment plans are available so you can secure experienced legal representation without delay.
If you only need representation for a specific stage—such as a Bail Hearing, Charter application, or sentencing hearing—we offer targeted retainers to give you focused support where it’s most needed.
Answers
Facing property-related charges can be overwhelming. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from clients — and why speaking with a lawyer as early as possible is critical to protecting your future.
Yes, unless the charge is withdrawn, dismissed, or resolved through diversion or a discharge. A record can affect travel, employment, and immigration. We prioritize securing outcomes that keep your record clean.
Not all — but robbery is a straight indictable offence and typically carries penitentiary sentences. When firearms are involved, mandatory minimums under s. 344(1)(a) or (a.1) apply. Early legal representation is key to challenging the Crown’s case and avoiding jail where possible.
Yes. However, robbery involving a firearm triggers reverse-onus bail, meaning you must demonstrate why you should be released. A strong release plan with sureties, supervision, and conditions is essential.
Theft under $5,000 is less serious and may be prosecuted summarily. Theft over $5,000 is indictable and carries a maximum of 10 years imprisonment. Regardless of the amount, our goal is to avoid a conviction whenever possible.
False accusations do happen. We challenge weak identification evidence, unreliable witnesses, and unlawful searches to protect your rights and prevent wrongful convictions.
Contact Us
If you are facing charges for theft, robbery, or a property crime in Ontario, contact Sanctuary Lawyers today for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your options, and fight to secure the best possible outcome. At Sanctuary Lawyers, we don’t just defend cases—we defend futures.
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