Fraud Charges in Brampton
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 Brampton, 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.
Brampton is home to one of the busiest criminal courthouses in Ontario. Peel Regional Police actively enforces impaired driving along the Highway 410 corridor and Hurontario Street, and domestic assault charges are among the most common matters on the Brampton docket. The high case volume means Crown prosecutors manage heavy caseloads, which an experienced defence lawyer can leverage when negotiating resolutions.
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 Brampton
Criminal charges in Brampton are heard at the A. Grenville & William Davis 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.