
Defending Fraud, Theft and Property Offences in Edmonton and Area
These are offences involving allegations of dishonesty. For that reason, they can have particularly damaging consequences for a person’s reputation, capacity to obtain employment, and ability to travel.
Definitions of terms which are concerned with the unlawful taking or possession of property are found in section 321 of the Criminal Code. Specific examples of property crimes include theft (section 322), theft of motor vehicle and taking motor vehicle without consent (sections 333.1 to 335 ), unlawful credit card use or theft (342), robbery and extortion (sections 343 to 346), breaking and entering (section 348), possession of property obtained by crime (section 354), forgery (section 366), and fraud (section 380). These types of offences take place in a wide variety of situations and accordingly attract a range of sanctions from the most lenient (discharges) to the most severe (jail). For example, the theft of an item of low value by an individual of good character might attract a period of probation. On the other hand, the theft of money or valuable goods by an employee from an employer is taken very seriously and could result in a jail sentence.
Persons who believe they may be charged or under criminal investigation should contact a defence lawyer immediately for advice as to how to respond to police questions. It can make an important difference, for example, to have a lawyer communicate with the police as opposed to trying to talk to the police oneself.
If you want an experienced theft or fraud lawyer in Edmonton, contact Mr. Prithipaul for advice.