Property Crime Defence in Brampton
Protecting Your Rights Against Property Crime Charges in Ontario
Facing a property-related criminal charge can feel overwhelming, especially when your reputation, career, and future are at stake. As a criminal defence lawyer with more than a decade of experience defending property crime cases across Brampton and Ontario, I provide focused, strategic, and personalized representation for every client I work with. If you are accused of theft, break and enter, mischief, possession of stolen property, or any other property offence, I am here to guide you through the process and protect your rights from day one.
If you need immediate help, call me directly at (437) 998-1429.
Common Property Crime Offences I Defend
Theft Offences
Theft-related charges often depend on the value of the property involved. I represent clients facing:
- Theft under $5,000
- Theft over $5,000
- Shoplifting and retail theft
Many of these cases involve misunderstandings, mistaken identity, or insufficient proof of intent. Early legal intervention is crucial.
Break and Enter Charges
Break and enter offences can result in severe penalties, especially if the allegation involves a residence. I defend:
- Residential break and enter
- Commercial break and enter
- Break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence
Proving “intent” is one of the most critical factors, and the Crown must establish it beyond a reasonable doubt.
Mischief and Property Damage
Mischief includes a broad range of conduct, from minor damage to significant vandalism. These cases often hinge on the credibility of witnesses and the strength of the evidence. Defence strategies often involve challenging intent, identity, or the extent of the alleged damage.
Possession of Stolen Property
These charges require the Crown to prove that you knew, or should have known, the property was obtained through an unlawful act. In many cases, the connection between the accused and the property is weak, or the police investigation contains significant gaps.
Fraud-Related Property Crimes
Fraud offences that involve property or financial gain can carry serious penalties. These cases generally involve digital evidence, financial documents, and complex paper trails. I identify inconsistencies, procedural errors, and failures in the Crown’s evidentiary foundation.
Penalties for Property Crimes in Ontario
Punishments can range widely depending on the facts of the case. Potential penalties include:
- Fines and probation
- Restitution orders
- Conditional sentences
- Jail sentences for more serious offences
- A lasting criminal record
Aggravating factors may include repeat offences, planning, or high-value losses. Mitigating factors—such as returning property, lack of criminal history, or personal circumstances—can help reduce sentencing risk. Part of my job is ensuring your full story is presented clearly and fairly.
How I Build a Strong Property Crime Defence
Identifying Weaknesses in the Crown’s Case
I thoroughly review witness statements, video footage, police notes, and forensic evidence to identify inconsistencies or gaps. If the Crown cannot prove the essential elements of the offence, the charge cannot stand.
Challenging Police Procedures
Many property crime cases involve searches, statements to police, or seized evidence. I analyze:
- Whether the arrest was lawful
- Whether your Charter rights were violated
- Whether the police overstepped in the search and seizure
Whether evidence should be excluded due to procedural errors
Effective Defence Strategies
Depending on your circumstances, I may pursue strategies such as:
- Lack of intent
- Mistaken identity
- No connection to the property
- Unlawful search and seizure
- Alibi evidence
- Identification of third-party involvement
- Charter challenges leading to the exclusion of evidence
Each case is unique, and I tailor my defence to your specific situation.
What To Do If You Are Charged With a Property Crime
If you have been arrested or believe you are under investigation:
- Do not provide any statements to the police
- Do not speak to witnesses or alleged victims
- Collect documents or evidence that may support your version of events
- Contact me immediately before taking any further steps
The decisions you make in the first few hours or days can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
Why Clients Choose Me for Property Crime Defence
Clients throughout Brampton and Ontario trust me because:
- I have over 10 years of focused criminal defence experience
- I work personally on every case rather than delegating to a team
- I provide direct communication and transparent guidance
- I am thorough in my analysis and aggressive in protecting your rights
- I have a proven record of achieving charge withdrawals, reduced penalties, and acquittals
Your case matters, and you deserve a lawyer who treats it that way.
Contact Me for Immediate Defence Representation
If you are facing a property crime charge in Brampton or anywhere in Ontario, I am ready to help. Early intervention is critical to protecting your rights, minimizing consequences, and building the strongest possible defence.
Call me at (437) 998-1429 to schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Property Crime Defence
In many cases, yes. Diversion programs, peace bonds, charge withdrawals, or successful defences at trial can prevent a conviction.
Returning property can be a mitigating factor and may improve your chances of resolving the matter favourably.
Most cases take several months, but serious property offences may take longer due to evidence, disclosure, and court scheduling.
First-time offenders often avoid jail, especially for minor offences, but outcomes depend on your individual circumstances and the allegations involved.
No. You should always speak to a lawyer first. Anything you say to the police can be used against you.