Theft Under $5,000 Charge? Your Record Is Worth Fighting For.
Strategic, flat-fee criminal defence and courtroom advocacy from LSO licensed paralegals across Ontario.
A charge of Theft Under $5,000 under the Criminal Code is a criminal offence, not a ticket or bylaw matter. A conviction can result in a criminal record, fines, probation, restitution, and long-term consequences for employment, education, and travel.
These cases often turn on intent, evidence, and how the allegation is framed. Early legal guidance can make a meaningful difference in how the case proceeds and how your rights are protected.
Our Ontario licensed paralegals provide experienced legal support for Theft Under $5,000 charges, helping you understand the allegation, assess the evidence, and take informed steps to defend yourself.
✔ 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 Theft Under $5,000?
Under section 334(b) of the Criminal Code, Theft Under $5,000 refers to taking property without permission with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it.
This charge often includes:
- Shoplifting or retail theft
- Stealing money, phones, or electronics
- Taking items from a workplace
- Using someone else’s property without returning it
- Fraudulent returns or price tag switching
Important: Even small amounts can lead to a criminal record if not handled properly.
Why This Charge Matters: The Real Impact on Your Future
A conviction for Theft Under $5,000 can result in:
- Permanent criminal record — affecting jobs, housing, and education
- Travel restrictions — especially entry to the U.S.
- Employment consequences — theft is considered a crime of dishonesty
- Fines, probation, or jail — depending on the severity and your record
- Damaged reputation — both personally and professionally
Even if this is your first offence, the impact can follow you for years.
Can You Avoid a Criminal Record in Ontario? Here’s the Truth.
Yes — with the right defence, many people charged with theft avoid ending up with a record.
Depending on your situation, you may qualify for:
- Diversion programs — no conviction if conditions are met
- Peace bonds — charges withdrawn after compliance
- Discharges — no permanent record after probation
- Negotiated resolutions — reduced consequences through legal strategy
We’ll fight for the best possible outcome and explore every option to keep your record clean.
HOW IT WORKS
Start with a Free, Confidential Consultation
Facing a Theft Under $5,000 charge can be incredibly stressful — especially when the situation may have stemmed from a misunderstanding, a moment of poor judgment, or circumstances that are now being interpreted as a criminal offence. A theft conviction can affect your employment, reputation, immigration status, ability to travel, and future opportunities. Whether this is your first experience with the justice system or you’ve dealt with it before, you deserve clear guidance and strong support.
During your free, confidential consultation, we take the time to understand your side of the story, explain how Theft Under $5,000 is treated under the Criminal Code, and give you straightforward, practical information about your options. No pressure, no judgment — just honest answers about what you’re facing, what the Crown must prove, and what the process looks like from start to finish.
You’ll gain a clearer picture of the allegations, the evidence, and the possible consequences — but more importantly, we’ll help you understand the defence paths available to you. Once you decide to move forward, we support you every step of the way: reviewing disclosure, identifying weaknesses in the Crown’s case, exploring diversion or withdrawal options, preparing you for court, and building a strategy designed to help protect your future.
Our Commitment is Simple
To help you navigate your theft charge with clarity, confidence, and a defence plan tailored to your circumstances.
You’ve already taken the first step by seeking information. Now let us help you take the next one.
Review of Police & Crown Disclosure
We begin building your defence by:
- Analyzing the full disclosure package from the Crown
- Identifying weaknesses, missing evidence, or procedural issues
- Looking for Charter violations, inconsistent statements, or credibility gaps
- Evaluating key exhibits such as surveillance, receipts, statements, or witness claims
This step ensures your case is legally assessed and strategically positioned early.
Criminal Court Representation & Crown Negotiation
We appear for you in the Ontario Court of Justice, where we:
- Advocate on your behalf at each court appearance
- Make legal submissions to challenge the Crown’s case when appropriate
- Negotiate directly with the prosecution to pursue withdrawals, reductions, or alternative resolutions
- Protect your rights throughout the criminal process
You get a prepared, professional legal advocate in court—so you never face the system alone.
Resolution Support or Summary Conviction Trial
We move your case toward the best available outcome based on evidence and your goals, including:
- Negotiated resolutions that help protect your record
- Charge withdrawals or reductions where possible
- Or full summary conviction trial defence, if required
We handle the final stage with strategy, preparation, and strong courtroom advocacy.
Why Ontario Chooses Cordaie Paralegal Services
We’ve supported Ontario clients charged with Theft Under $5,000 by delivering early defence strategy, reduced-stress resolutions, and stronger protection for their record—so they can move forward with confidence, not uncertainty.
Here’s What You Can Expect
- Free Case Review — clear, honest legal advice from the start
- Predictable Flat-Fee Pricing — no hourly billing, no hidden costs
- Direct Access to a Licensed Paralegal — get answers when you need them
- Defence Strategy Tailored to Your Case — built around the facts, evidence, and your goals
- Future-Focused Representation — advocacy designed to protect your record and opportunities
You’ll never face the criminal court process alone.
We guide you, prepare the defence, and represent you every step of the way. Your charge is serious. Your defence should be too. We stand with you from start to finish.
“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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Ontario-Wide Defence for Theft Under $5,000 Charges
Wherever you are in Ontario—whether you're in the GTA, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, Windsor, or any smaller community—you deserve legal support that is simple to access and backed by a licensed advocate who represents you in criminal court.
We work with clients across the province through a stress-reducing, time-saving, fully remote defence process that protects your rights without disrupting your work or personal life.
Connect With Us From Anywhere
- Virtual consultations on any device—phone, tablet, or computer
- Secure digital evidence and disclosure sharing to protect your privacy
- Flexible scheduling built around work and family commitments
- Ontario-wide licensed paralegal representation for summary conviction matters
- No travel. No lost wages. No putting your life on hold just to defend a charge.
A Theft Under $5,000 allegation is serious—and your defence should be too. We deliver prepared strategy and courtroom advocacy so you never feel alone, uncertain, or unprotected in the process.
No matter where you live, the legal help you need is only a call or message away.
Your future isn’t built on one accusation. It’s protected by the right defence—early, prepared, and in your corner.
Theft Under $5,000 FAQ — Clear Answers for Ontario Criminal Court
Worried about a Theft Under $5,000 charge and what happens next? You’re not alone.
Most people facing this allegation feel the same uncertainty. The FAQs below give you clear, practical answers so you can quickly understand.
Whether this is your first offence or part of a more complex situation, knowing the facts early can change your options and your outcome. We explain everything in straightforward, judgment-free language—so you feel informed, not overwhelmed.
Still have questions? Get real legal answers.
Speak directly to an LSO licensed Ontario paralegal who can review your case, explain your defence paths, and represent you in criminal court—without hourly billing or pressure.
One mistake shouldn’t mean permanent consequences. Early action means stronger defence strategy.
Book Your Free Case Review
Confidential • No pressure • Ontario-wide paralegal criminal defence
Your future is worth defending. Start with clarity, strategy, and a legal advocate in your corner.
1. Is Theft Under $5,000 a criminal offence in Canada?
Yes.
If convicted, it results in a criminal record that can affect your life for years.
2. How is it decided whether Theft Under $5,000 is summary or indictable?
The value of the alleged theft helps determine whether the matter stays summary or becomes indictable, and influences the maximum possible penalties.
Allegations involving property over $5,000 carry more serious sentencing exposure and can be treated as indictable theft (as it is a hybrid offence).
3. Will theft under $5,000 show up on a background check?
Yes — unless your charge is withdrawn, discharged, or diverted.
4. Can I go to jail for theft under $5,000?
Yes, jail is possible — but first-time offenders often avoid it with the right defence strategy.
5. Can theft charges be dropped?
Yes.
With negotiation, diversion, or alternative resolutions, many theft charges are withdrawn without conviction.
Book Your Free Case Review Today
A Theft Under $5,000 charge can affect your job, reputation, travel, and future opportunities—but the right defence can change your outcome. Early action gives you more options, stronger legal strategy, and a licensed advocate prepared to stand up for you in criminal court.
In your free case review, you’ll speak one-on-one with an LSO-licensed Ontario paralegal who will:
- Assess the facts of your charge
- Explain your legal rights and defence paths
- Break down realistic court outcomes and penalties
- And outline exactly what happens next in the Ontario Court of Justice
No hourly billing. No pressure. Just honest legal advice and early defence planning from a licensed courtroom advocate.
Your Record and Future Are Worth Fighting For.
Start with clarity and strategy today.
LSO-Licensed Paralegals • Confidential • Ontario-Wide Criminal Defence
