Theft Under $5000 Lawyer in Toronto - Defending Your Future Against Minor Theft Charges
Charged with theft under $5000? Sadro Law offers strategic legal defence, immediate support, and a commitment to protecting your reputation.
Understanding the Charge: Theft Under $5000 in Ontario
In Ontario, being charged with theft under $5000 might sound like a “minor” legal issue, but it’s anything but trivial. This charge falls under section 334(b) of the Criminal Code of Canada, and while the name suggests a smaller-scale offence, the consequences can be lasting and serious. Contrary to what the name might imply, this charge can carry consequences that follow you for years—from limiting job opportunities to hindering travel plans and impacting other areas of your future.
Theft under $5000 occurs when someone is accused of taking property or goods without permission, with the intent to permanently deprive the rightful owner. The key factor here is that the value of the stolen items is less than or equal to $5000. Whether it’s a few items from a retail store, a phone, or even merchandise at work, the decisive factor is the intent to steal—not the value of the items.
Many people are surprised to learn that they can face a criminal charge over items that might only be worth a few dollars. The law doesn’t require the theft to be large or elaborate—the combination of intent and the act of taking property without consent is what matters most. Consequently, even first-time offenders, especially those who have never before encountered legal issues, may find themselves daunted by the process.
Here’s the truth: even if the dollar amount is relatively small, theft under $5000 is still a criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada. A conviction can result in a permanent criminal record—one that may impact your ability to work, study, travel, or maintain immigration status. And once you’re in the system, a criminal record does not simply disappear.
That’s why at Sadro Law, we treat every theft under $5000 case with the seriousness it deserves. We acknowledge how stressful it can be, particularly for first-time offenders. Our team is dedicated to providing focused, respectful, and strategic representation. We take the time to understand your unique situation and construct a defence strategy aimed at safeguarding your rights, reputation, and future.
By knowing your rights and seeking capable legal support, you can better navigate the complexities of a theft under $5000 charge, ensuring that your story is heard and justice is pursued.
Types of Theft Charges We Defend
Not all theft charges look the same—and the way they’re treated in court can vary depending on the context, even if the dollar value is under $5,000. In Toronto, most of these offences fall under theft under $5000, but that category includes a range of allegations that come with different legal, personal, and professional consequences.
At Sadro Law, we recognize that the theft under $5000 category encompasses a diverse range of situations, each with distinct legal, personal, and professional repercussions. Our approach focuses on truly understanding your individual situation and carefully handling every case with the attention it requires. Here’s how we approach some of the most common theft-related charges:
1. Shoplifting
Shoplifting often arises in retail environments, where individuals are accused of taking items without payment. Whether it involves a single item or multiple, the Crown treats it seriously—but we acknowledge the reality that mistakes happen—sometimes due to a momentary lapse in judgment or a misunderstanding.
We often push for pre-trial diversion or alternative resolutions, especially for first-time offenders. Our goal is to keep a criminal record off the table and resolve the matter in a way that protects your future.
2. Employee Theft
Unlike shoplifting, this type of theft is seen as a breach of trust, which can result in more aggressive prosecution. This could involve taking money from a till or items from a stockroom, and the employee-employer relationship heightens the allegations.
We look at the full context: Was there undue financial pressure? Were you wrongfully accused? Were protocols followed correctly? Our expertise lies in negotiating resolutions that minimize damage—especially when employment and reputation are on the line.
3. Petty Fraud
Petty fraud involves some element of deception, such as altering barcodes, switching price tags, or misrepresenting an item's cost. While minor in scale, it qualifies as fraud under $5,000 and can raise questions about a person’s integrity.
Our approach considers the human element—was it a one-time incident, and what are the implications of a potential criminal record? Many cases qualify for diversion, and we advocate vigorously for outcomes that do not result in a criminal conviction.
4. Possession of Stolen Property
You don’t have to be the one who committed the theft to be charged—being found with stolen property can lead to criminal charges if the Crown believes you knew, or should have known, that the items were stolen.
This is where careful legal work matters. We explore whether the Crown can actually prove knowledge or intent, and whether there’s a reasonable explanation for your possession of the item. At Sadro Law, we aim to challenge assumptions, raise reasonable doubt, and uphold your right to a fair trial.
5. Using or Attempting to Use Stolen Credit Cards
A charge can arise from using or attempting to use a stolen or unauthorized credit card, even if it involves a single transaction. Sometimes, individuals are unwittingly caught in such situations or are unaware that the card was stolen.
These cases are detailed, relying on surveillance footage, digital records, and witness accounts. We dig into every angle and build a defence based on your version of events—not just the Crown’s. And when appropriate, we work to resolve the case in a way that avoids a criminal conviction.
Although all these offences fall under theft under $5000, our legal strategies are uniquely tailored to each situation. At Sadro Law, we emphasize customised defence, transparent communication, and safeguarding your future—whether by contesting the charge, negotiating an agreeable outcome, or seeking diversion.
Facing legal issues can be intimidating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Let's discuss your options and chart the path forward together.
Types of Impaired Driving Offences We Defend
At Sadro Law, we represent clients charged with all forms of impaired driving in Toronto and across Ontario. These charges may seem similar, but each one carries distinct legal definitions, evidentiary standards, and penalties. Whether you were stopped at a RIDE checkpoint, failed a roadside test, or refused to blow, our firm is equipped to build a strong and strategic defence. Below are the most common impaired driving offences we defend:
Impaired Driving by Drug or Combined Impairment
You can be charged with impaired driving if police believe your ability to drive was affected by cannabis, prescription medication, or other drugs, even in the absence of alcohol. These cases often rely on subjective observations and drug recognition expert (DRE) opinions. We scrutinize the DRE process, challenge toxicology evidence, and present medical explanations when appropriate.
Refusal or Failure to Provide a Breath Sample
Refusing to blow into a breathalyzer or failing to comply with a lawful demand for a roadside or station test is treated just as seriously as a failed test. However, the Crown must prove the demand was legal and that your refusal was unequivocal. Many of these cases can be successfully defended on technical or constitutional grounds.
Over 80 mg – Blood Alcohol Concentration
If your BAC exceeds 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, you may be charged with an “Over 80” offence, even if your driving appeared normal. We carefully examine how the sample was taken, machine calibration, test timing, and whether your Charter rights were violated during the process.
Care or Control While Impaired
You don’t have to be driving to be charged. Simply being in the driver’s seat with access to the vehicle’s controls can lead to a “care or control” charge, especially if you're intoxicated and the car is running or capable of being started. These charges are common in parked or sleeping scenarios, and we often argue that there was no intent or realistic risk of driving.
Impaired Driving by Alcohol
This charge applies when your ability to operate a motor vehicle is visibly impaired by alcohol, regardless of your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Slurred speech, poor coordination, or erratic driving may be used as evidence. We challenge the officer’s observations, test procedures, and whether reasonable grounds existed for the arrest.
Repeat Impaired Driving Charges
Second or third DUI offences carry much harsher penalties, including mandatory jail time, longer license suspensions, and lifetime ignition interlock requirements. If you're facing a subsequent charge, we develop a defence that factors in your history while pushing for the least punitive resolution.
What Happens After You’re Charged with Impaired Driving
Being charged with impaired driving in Ontario is a serious matter, and the consequences start immediately. Whether you were charged with DUI, Over 80, or refusal to provide a breath sample, understanding what happens next is critical to protecting your licence, record, and future. At Sadro Law, we guide you through each step of the legal process with clarity and expert legal defence.
1. Immediate Licence Suspension and Vehicle Impoundment
After a DUI arrest in Ontario, you will receive an automatic 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS) under the Highway Traffic Act, even before your case goes to court. In most cases, your vehicle will also be impounded for 7 days, and you will be responsible for towing and storage costs.
These penalties apply even if you haven’t been convicted yet, which is why acting quickly with a skilled impaired driving lawyer is essential.
2. Release from Custody and First Court Appearance
Depending on the situation, you may be released from the police station with a Promise to Appear or an Undertaking, which often includes conditions like abstaining from alcohol or attending court dates.
Your first court appearance typically takes place within a few weeks. This is not a trial — it’s an administrative step where the Crown provides you with disclosure, the evidence they intend to use against you. Sadro Law thoroughly reviews this material to identify procedural errors, Charter violations, or flaws in the case.
3. Reviewing Disclosure and Building Your Defence
After receiving full disclosure, we begin crafting your defence. This may involve:
- Challenging the legality of the traffic stop
- Examining how roadside and breath tests were conducted
- Reviewing video or witness evidence
- Consulting toxicology or breathalyzer experts
Many DUI cases are won or resolved before trial by exposing weaknesses in the Crown’s case.
4. Court Process and Potential Resolution
Your impaired driving case may go through several court appearances before a resolution or trial. During this time, your lawyer can negotiate with the Crown to seek a withdrawal, reduced charge (e.g., careless driving), or conditional discharge. If a resolution isn’t reached, we prepare for trial to fight for a full acquittal.
Penalties for DUI Charges in Ontario
If you’re convicted of impaired driving in Ontario, whether for alcohol, drugs, or a combination, the penalties are immediate, severe, and long-lasting. A DUI is not just a traffic ticket; it’s a criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada. The consequences can affect your licence, your job, your travel ability, and your reputation. At Sadro Law, we work aggressively to protect your rights and help you avoid or reduce these penalties.
How Sadro Law Helps You Avoid the Worst-Case Scenario
At Sadro Law, we don’t wait for the Crown to set the tone. We challenge the evidence early, raise Charter arguments when your rights are violated, and negotiate for outcomes that avoid conviction, such as withdrawals or reduced charges like careless driving.
With the right defence, many DUI cases can be resolved without a criminal record, and some are dismissed entirely.
Contact Sadro Law today to speak with an experienced Toronto-based impaired driving lawyer. Your defence starts now, not later.
Our Defence Strategies for Impaired Driving Cases
At Sadro Law, we understand how high the stakes are when you’re facing impaired driving charges. A conviction can affect your licence, your career, and your future, but a charge does not mean you’re guilty. We use proven, strategic defence tactics to challenge the case against you and pursue the best possible outcome.
Whether you're charged with DUI, over 80, drug-impaired driving, or refusal to provide a breath sample, our goal is to protect your rights and limit the legal consequences at every stage.
Why You Need a DUI Lawyer Immediately
If you’ve been charged with impaired driving in Ontario, whether it’s a DUI, Over 80, drug-impaired operation, or refusal to provide a breath sample, it’s critical to speak with a qualified criminal defence lawyer right away. The earlier you act, the better your chances of minimizing the damage to your licence, your record, and your future.
At Sadro Law, we offer immediate, strategic legal support to help you take control of your impaired driving case from day one.
Early Legal Advice Can Change the Outcome
The decisions you make in the hours and days after a DUI charge can dramatically shape the outcome. We help you:
- Understand your rights and obligations
- Avoid self-incriminating statements
- Navigate early court appearances with confidence
- Preserve valuable defences by acting before deadlines pass
Even a short delay can lead to missed opportunities that could have protected your freedom.
Administrative Penalties Start Immediately
Many clients don’t realize that DUI charges trigger automatic licence suspensions and vehicle impoundment, even before a conviction. You may already be facing:
- A 90-day roadside suspension
- 7-day vehicle impound
- Mandatory driving programs and interlock conditions
We provide guidance on how to manage these consequences while preparing a strong legal response.
Protect Yourself from Long-Term Consequences
A criminal conviction for impaired driving can result in:
- A permanent criminal record
- Jail time (especially for repeat offenders)
- Travel restrictions, particularly to the U.S.
- Job loss or future career limitations
- Skyrocketing auto insurance premiums
The earlier we get involved, the more options we have to protect your future, including the possibility of negotiating a resolution that avoids a criminal record entirely.
Why Clients Trust Sadro Law for DUI Defence
When your licence, freedom, and future are at stake, you need more than just a lawyer — you need a dedicated advocate who knows how to win. At Sadro Law, we’ve earned the trust of clients across Toronto and Ontario by delivering results-driven, client-focused impaired driving defence. Whether it’s a first-time DUI or a repeat offence, we offer the legal skill, strategy, and support you can rely on from day one.
Types of Theft Charges We Defend
Not all theft charges look the same—and the way they’re treated in court can vary depending on the context, even if the dollar value is under $5,000. In Toronto, most of these offences fall under theft under $5000, but that category includes a range of allegations that come with different legal, personal, and professional consequences.
At Sadro Law, we recognize that the theft under $5000 category encompasses a diverse range of situations, each with distinct legal, personal, and professional repercussions. Our approach focuses on truly understanding your individual situation and carefully handling every case with the attention it requires.
Here’s how we approach some of the most common theft-related charges:
1. Shoplifting
Shoplifting often arises in retail environments, where individuals are accused of taking items without payment. Whether it involves a single item or multiple, the Crown treats it seriously—but we acknowledge the reality that mistakes happen—sometimes due to a momentary lapse in judgment or a misunderstanding.
We often push for pre-trial diversion or alternative resolutions, especially for first-time offenders. Our goal is to keep a criminal record off the table and resolve the matter in a way that protects your future.
2. Employee Theft
Unlike shoplifting, this type of theft is seen as a breach of trust, which can result in more aggressive prosecution. This could involve taking money from a till or items from a stockroom, and the employee-employer relationship heightens the allegations.
We look at the full context: Was there undue financial pressure? Were you wrongfully accused? Were protocols followed correctly? Our expertise lies in negotiating resolutions that minimize damage—especially when employment and reputation are on the line.
3. Petty Fraud
Petty fraud involves some element of deception, such as altering barcodes, switching price tags, or misrepresenting an item's cost. While minor in scale, it qualifies as fraud under $5,000 and can raise questions about a person’s integrity.
Our approach considers the human element—was it a one-time incident, and what are the implications of a potential criminal record? Many cases qualify for diversion, and we advocate vigorously for outcomes that do not result in a criminal conviction.
4. Possession of Stolen Property
You don’t have to be the one who committed the theft to be charged—being found with stolen property can lead to criminal charges if the Crown believes you knew, or should have known, that the items were stolen.
This is where careful legal work matters. We explore whether the Crown can actually prove knowledge or intent, and whether there’s a reasonable explanation for your possession of the item. At Sadro Law, we aim to challenge assumptions, raise reasonable doubt, and uphold your right to a fair trial.
5. Using or Attempting to Use Stolen Credit Cards
A charge can arise from using or attempting to use a stolen or unauthorized credit card, even if it involves a single transaction. Sometimes, individuals are unwittingly caught in such situations or are unaware that the card was stolen.
These cases are detailed, relying on surveillance footage, digital records, and witness accounts. We dig into every angle and build a defence based on your version of events—not just the Crown’s. And when appropriate, we work to resolve the case in a way that avoids a criminal conviction.
Although all these offences fall under theft under $5000, our legal strategies are uniquely tailored to each situation. At Sadro Law, we emphasize customised defence, transparent communication, and safeguarding your future—whether by contesting the charge, negotiating an agreeable outcome, or seeking diversion.
Facing legal issues can be intimidating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Let's discuss your options and chart the path forward together.
Sadro Law: Focused on Your Outcome, Committed to Your Future
At Sadro Law, we understand that being charged with theft under $5000 isn’t just a legal matter—it’s a deeply personal and often daunting journey that can leave you feeling uncertain about your future, your reputation, and the potential impacts on your family and career. That’s why our approach extends beyond just legal expertise. We are dedicated to providing calm, experienced guidance that is devoid of judgment and firmly rooted in practical solutions tailored to your situation.
We believe that every client deserves a defence that not only reflects but also addresses the specifics of the case while recognizing the human story behind it. From day one, we prioritize listening to you, understanding your unique concerns, and crafting a strategy that champions your best interests. Be it negotiating an early resolution or meticulously preparing for a trial, your case receives the diligence and respect it warrants, as we are acutely aware of what is at stake for you.
Moving forward after a charge begins with the right legal support. With Sadro Law, you benefit from a team that steadfastly supports you, focusing on achieving the most favourable outcome and safeguarding what matters most: your future.
Reach out today for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll explain your options, answer your questions, and help you take the next step—because your future deserves strong, strategic defence.
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A Commitment to Excellence Across All Legal Services
At Sadro Law, we recognize that navigating the legal system in Toronto can be one of life's most challenging experiences. That's why we prioritize a personalized approach for each client to ensure your needs are meticulously addressed. Across our diverse range of services, whether you're dealing with criminal charges, navigating the complexities of licence suspensions, or seeking to remove a criminal record, we bring a wealth of experience and tailored strategies to the table. Our team, based in Toronto and proficient in areas such as assault and impaired driving cases, collaborates with you to develop a robust legal strategy aimed at achieving your goals. With Sadro Law, you can expect dedicated attention, expert guidance, and a steadfast commitment to securing a favorable outcome.
Your Defence Starts Here
Being charged with impaired driving can turn your life upside down. At Sadro Law, we act fast to defend your rights, protect your licence, and safeguard your future. Our experienced Toronto DUI lawyers provide immediate, strategic, and discreet legal support to challenge every detail of the case against you from the very start.
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Why Choose Sadro Law
- Toronto-based criminal defence firm
- Proven courtroom results
- Personal, compassionate guidance
- Available 24/7 for urgent legal matters
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- Request a free, no-obligation consultation by filling out a short form.
2. Our impaired driving lawyers will contact you promptly to discuss your situation.
- After assessing your case and goals, we’ll create a clear defence strategy and take immediate action on your behalf.
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