Fraud Charges in Barrie
If you have been charged with fraud over and under $5,000, breach of trust, identity fraud, mortgage fraud, credit card fraud, and forgery in Barrie, the consequences are serious. Fraud under $5,000 carries a maximum of 2 years imprisonment. Fraud over $5,000 carries a maximum of 14 years. Fraud over $1,000,000 carries a mandatory minimum of 2 years imprisonment. Restitution orders are common.
The Barrie Courthouse at 75 Mulcaster Street serves Simcoe County, including Barrie, Orillia, Innisfil, Collingwood, and surrounding communities. Both the Barrie Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) lay charges that are heard at this courthouse. OPP enforcement along Highway 400 — a major route connecting Toronto to cottage country — makes impaired driving one of the most common charges in this jurisdiction, particularly during summer months and holiday weekends.
How We Defend Fraud Charges
Every fraud case is different, but experienced defence lawyers look for weaknesses in the Crown’s case at every stage. Common defence strategies include:
- Lack of intent — no dishonest purpose or plan to defraud
- Honest mistake or misunderstanding of the transaction
- Mistaken identity — the accused was not the person responsible
- Consent of the property owner to the use of funds or property
- Charter breaches in the police investigation or search
- Challenging the Crown's proof of deprivation or risk of deprivation
The Court Process in Barrie
Criminal charges in Barrie are heard at the Barrie Courthouse. Your first appearance will typically be scheduled within a few weeks of being charged. At that appearance, your lawyer will receive disclosure (the Crown’s evidence against you) and begin assessing the strength of the case.