Theft Charges in Brampton
If you have been charged with theft under $5,000, theft over $5,000, shoplifting, break and enter, possession of stolen property, and robbery in Brampton, the consequences are serious. Theft under $5,000 carries a maximum of 2 years imprisonment. Theft over $5,000 carries a maximum of 10 years. Break and enter into a dwelling carries a maximum of life imprisonment. A first offence for theft under $5,000 often results in diversion or a discharge.
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 Theft Charges
Every theft case is different, but experienced defence lawyers look for weaknesses in the Crown’s case at every stage. Common defence strategies include:
- Colour of right — a genuine belief in entitlement to the property
- Honest mistake about ownership or permission
- Lack of intent to permanently deprive the owner
- Identity issues — the accused was not the person who took the property
- Charter challenges to detention, search, or statements
- Challenging the reliability of surveillance or witness identification
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.