Fraud Charges in Oshawa
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 Oshawa, 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 Durham Region Courthouse at 150 Bond Street East serves all of Durham Region, including Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, and Clarington. Durham Regional Police handles law enforcement for the region. The courthouse handles both Ontario Court of Justice and Superior Court of Justice criminal matters. Ryan Handlarski regularly appears at the Oshawa courthouse and is familiar with the local Crown Attorney's office and court procedures.
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 Oshawa
Criminal charges in Oshawa are heard at the Durham Region 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.