Fraud Matters Under $5,000 — Regulated Ontario Advocacy You Can Trust
Upfront pricing, confidential guidance, and hearing advocacy across Ontario.
A charge of Fraud Under $5,000 under the Criminal Code is a criminal offence, not a minor matter. Even at lower dollar amounts, a conviction can result in a criminal record, fines, probation, restitution orders, and serious long-term consequences for employment and travel.
These cases often depend on intent, evidence, and how the allegations are framed. Early legal guidance is critical.
Our Ontario licensed paralegals provide experienced legal support for fraud under $5,000 charges, helping you understand the allegation, assess the evidence, and take informed steps to protect your rights and your future.
✔ Licensed by the Law Society of Ontario
✔ Flat-Fee Pricing — No Hidden Costs
✔ Serving Clients Across Ontario
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“Working with Damian felt like finally having someone in my corner who actually cared and knew how to make the system work.” — Abdul H., Former Client
What Is Fraud Under $5,000?
Under Section 380(1)(b) of the Criminal Code, fraud under $5,000 involves knowingly deceiving someone to cause a loss (or risk of loss) — whether through false representation, misuse of funds, identity theft, or other means — for amounts under $5,000.
You can be charged even if:
- No money was actually lost
- The fraud was attempted but not completed
- The value was under $5,000 — intent is what matters
Common Examples of Fraud Under $5,000
- Using someone else’s credit card
- Submitting false documents or claims
- Faking returns or discounts at work
- E-transfer or online marketplace scams
- Misusing a company gas card or petty cash
- Exaggerating hours or expenses to an employer
Don’t Take a Chance With Your Future
Fraud charges can escalate quickly, and early decisions have a major impact on your outcome. Before you speak to police, respond to the allegations, or consider any plea, get proper legal guidance.
Reach out for a free, confidential consultation and protect your record, your reputation, and your future.
Is Fraud Under $5,000 a Criminal Offence in Canada?
Yes. It is a criminal offence and can result in:
- A permanent criminal record
- Employment and background check issues
- Travel restrictions (especially to the U.S.)
- Fines, probation, or jail
- Loss of professional reputation or licensing
Even a first-time offence can result in significant damage — unless handled correctly.
What Happens After You’re Charged?
Once charged, you’ll go through a legal process that may involve:
- A police interview or statement
- A court date (first appearance)
- Disclosure of evidence
- Potential plea negotiations or trial
- Possible conviction and sentencing
Important: Do not plead guilty without legal advice. Many cases can be diverted, dropped, or resolved with reduced consequences — but only with the right strategy.
“From the very beginning, Damian approached my situation with empathy and genuine care. He took the time to truly understand what I was going through and never made me feel like just another case. His knowledge and clear guidance helped me navigate a complex legal situation with confidence.”
Abdul H., Former Client
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HOW IT WORKS
Start with a Free, Confidential Consultation
Facing a Fraud Under $5,000 charge can be incredibly stressful — but you don’t have to handle it alone. Fraud allegations carry serious consequences, including a potential criminal record, employment barriers, immigration concerns, and long-term reputational damage. Whether this is your first experience with the criminal justice system or you’ve been through it before, we’re here to guide you with clarity and support.
During your free, confidential consultation, we take the time to understand your situation, explain how Fraud Under $5,000 is treated under the Criminal Code, and break down your options in clear, straightforward language — no legal jargon, no pressure, no judgment.
You’ll learn what the Crown must prove, what evidence may be used against you, and how the court process works from start to finish. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions, not rushed ones.
Once you decide to move forward, we support you at every stage — reviewing disclosure, identifying weaknesses in the Crown’s case, exploring opportunities for diversion or withdrawal, negotiating where appropriate, and building a strategic defence tailored to your circumstances.
Our commitment is simple:
To help you navigate your fraud charge with confidence, clarity, and a strong plan to protect your future.
You’ve taken the first step by seeking information.
Now Let Us Help You Take the Next One.
Reach out to us today for your free consultation.
Disclosure & Evidence Review
We obtain and analyze the police disclosure, financial records, and supporting evidence to understand the case and identify key opportunities in your defence.
Strategy Development & Filing Preparation
We build a tailored case strategy and prepare all required submissions, sworn statements, and procedural filings—accurate, organized, and delivered on time.
Hearing Advocacy & Resolution
Where permitted, we represent you at eligible criminal hearings, negotiate strategically with the Crown, and work toward the strongest possible outcome with confidence and care.
Can You Avoid a Criminal Record?
Yes — in some cases. Depending on your background and the facts of the case, you may qualify for:
- Diversion programs (i.e., no conviction)
- Peace bonds
- Withdrawn charges
- Discharges
- Favourable plea negotiations
We’ll assess your case and pursue the best legal path to protect your record and your future.
Why Ontario Clients Trust Cordaie With Their Criminal-Justice Case
We’ve supported many Ontarians through fraud allegations—and we’re ready to help you take the next step too.
We don’t just “handle” your case. We provide clear guidance, strategic preparation, and licensed hearing advocacy to protect your rights at every stage.
With us, you get:
✔ Free case review — know your position and options
✔ Upfront flat-fee pricing — predictable costs, no surprises
✔ Strategic legal planning — tailored to your circumstances
✔ Ongoing communication — direct answers and consistent support
✔ Advocacy focused on results — working toward the best possible resolution
You deserve representation that’s prepared, transparent, and committed. Start with clarity. Move forward with strategy.
Trusted Hearing Advocacy for Clients Across Ontario
No matter where you live in Ontario—from the GTA to Ottawa, Hamilton to Windsor, and everywhere in between—our services are easy to access and designed around your schedule.
We support clients virtually through a simple, secure, and streamlined remote process, including:
• Online appointments by phone or computer
• Encrypted digital document exchange
• Flexible scheduling built for real life
• Licensed representation for eligible summary and hybrid hearings across Ontario
You shouldn’t have to travel, miss work, or rearrange your life to get prepared legal support. Guidance, filings, and advocacy are only a call or message away—wherever you are.
Get Hearing-Ready Support Without the Uncertainty
Start with a free, confidential consultation with an Ontario-licensed paralegal. Get clear answers, upfront flat-fee pricing, and strategic preparation before your hearing date moves forward.
We’ll review your matter, explain your options, and guide your next steps with confidence and care.
Fraud Under $5,000 FAQs — Get Clarity Before Your Hearing
Being faced with a Fraud Under $5,000 charge often brings uncertainty—especially if this is your first interaction with Ontario’s criminal-justice system. Most people have questions about release options, possible penalties, court procedure, and how a licensed paralegal can provide support.
This section gives you clear, practical answers in plain language, so you understand your situation, your options, and what may come next—without legal jargon or unnecessary complexity.
Important: Every case is unique. The FAQs here provide general public information, but the best way to move forward confidently is with personalized, confidential guidance from a regulated Ontario-licensed paralegal.
When you’re ready, we’re here to help you take the next step—strategically, confidently, and without pressure.
1. Is fraud under $5,000 a criminal offence in Canada?
Yes.
Fraud under $5,000 is a criminal offence under section 380(1)(b) of the Criminal Code.
Even though the amount is less than $5,000, the consequences can be serious — including a criminal record, fines, and possible jail time.
2. Will I go to jail for fraud under $5,000?
Jail is possible, especially if there are aggravating factors (like breach of trust or repeat offences).
However, for first-time offenders, jail can often be avoided through diversion programs, discharges, or negotiated pleas — especially with strong legal representation.
3. I didn’t take any money — can I still be charged?
Yes.
In Canada, intent to defraud is enough — even if no money changed hands.
Attempted fraud, or putting someone at risk of financial loss, can still lead to charges and conviction.
4. What’s the difference between fraud and theft?
While both involve loss, fraud typically involves deception, trickery, or false representation — such as lying on paperwork, impersonating someone, or manipulating a transaction.
Theft is usually more direct (taking property without consent).
5. Will this show up on a background check?
Absolutely.
If you’re charged or convicted, it will appear on:
- Criminal record checks
- Vulnerable sector checks
- Immigration screenings
- Most job applications that require a clear record
Even if you’re not convicted, police records may still exist — and we can help manage those too.
6. Can I get the charge dropped?
Yes — it’s possible.
Many fraud under $5,000 cases can be:
- Withdrawn entirely
- Resolved through diversion (no conviction)
- Settled with a discharge (record-free outcome)
It depends on the details, your background, and the strength of your defence.
7. What if this is my first offence?
That’s good news — the courts are often more flexible with first-time, non-violent offences.
You may qualify for:
- Diversion
- Alternative measures
- A peace bond
- A discharge
Our job is to make sure the court sees you as someone who deserves a second chance — not a criminal.
8. Should I plead guilty?
No. Never plead guilty without getting legal advice first.
Pleading guilty may seem like a quick fix, but it creates a permanent record that could impact:
- Employment
- Travel
- Immigration
- Professional licensing
There may be better options — we’ll help you find them.
9. How much do your services cost?
We offer flat-fee pricing with no surprises.
You’ll know exactly what you’re paying for, and we’ll walk you through what’s included before anything starts.
Free consultations are always available.
10. Do I need a lawyer or a paralegal?
For fraud under $5,000, a licensed paralegal in Ontario is fully authorized to represent you.
In fact, many clients prefer paralegals because of:
- Deep expertise in summary criminal offences
- More affordable rates
- Better communication and responsiveness
We’ve successfully handled hundreds of fraud cases and can help you navigate this with skill and care.
