Fraud Charges in Richmond Hill
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 Richmond Hill, 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.
Richmond Hill falls within York Region, and all criminal charges from Richmond Hill are heard at the Newmarket courthouse at 50 Eagle Street West. York Regional Police patrols Richmond Hill and the surrounding area. Richmond Hill has a large and diverse immigrant community, making the immigration consequences of a criminal conviction — including inadmissibility, loss of permanent resident status, or deportation — a particularly important consideration in defence strategy for many clients.
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 Newmarket
Criminal charges laid in Richmond Hill are heard at the Newmarket Courthouse in Newmarket. 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.