Criminal Defence
Theft and Fraud Charge Lawyers in Surrey
A theft or fraud allegation can feel like your whole reputation is on the line. We help you protect your record, your work, and your future.
If you have been accused of theft or fraud, the shame and fear can feel overwhelming, especially if nothing like this has ever happened to you before. Maybe it was a moment you regret, maybe it is a misunderstanding, or maybe the allegation simply is not true. Whatever brought you here, you are presumed innocent, and you deserve calm, judgment-free help figuring out what happens next. That is exactly what we try to provide from the first conversation.
In Canada, theft and fraud charges are divided at the $5,000 mark, so you may see your charge described as theft under $5,000 or theft over $5,000, and fraud works the same way. That dividing line affects how seriously the charge is treated and how the case can proceed. Shoplifting allegations, workplace accusations, and disputes over money or property can all end up here, and every one of them deserves a careful look at the actual evidence.
If this is your first time facing a charge, you should know that not every case ends in a trial or a conviction. Depending on the circumstances, resolutions short of trial can exist, and the earlier a lawyer is involved, the more options tend to remain open. We cannot promise any particular outcome, and we never will, but we can promise to look for every path that protects your record and your future.
The stakes go beyond the courtroom. A criminal record can affect your job, your professional licence, your ability to travel including to the United States, and your immigration status. Charges involving honesty can be especially hard on careers. That is why it is worth talking to a lawyer even if the charge seems minor. We offer a free, no obligation case evaluation, and everything you tell us stays completely confidential.
How we can help
No judgment, ever
We focus on where you go from here, not on the worst moment of your life or a false accusation.
Careful review of the evidence
Receipts, video, statements, and records all get examined closely, because an allegation is not the same thing as proof.
Guidance for first-time accused
We explain the options that may exist for people without a record, including resolutions short of trial where available.
Protecting your employment
We understand what a record could mean for your career and your licence, and we factor that into every decision.
Shoplifting and retail cases
Even a small allegation deserves serious attention, because the consequences of a criminal record are never small.
Fraud allegation defence
Financial allegations require patient work with documents and details, and we take the time to get them right.
Common questions
What is the difference between theft under and over $5,000?
Canadian law divides theft and fraud charges at the $5,000 mark. The value alleged affects how seriously the charge is treated and how the case can proceed through the courts. Either way the allegation matters, because any conviction can leave a criminal record with lasting consequences.
I was caught shoplifting. Is it worth hiring a lawyer?
Yes, and we say that gently, not as a sales pitch. Even a minor theft conviction creates a criminal record that can affect jobs, travel, and immigration status for years. A lawyer can look at whether options short of a conviction exist in your circumstances.
Will my employer find out about the charge?
There is no automatic notice to employers, but a conviction becomes part of a criminal record that background checks can reveal, and some professions have their own reporting rules. Tell us about your work situation so we can help you understand the risks and plan around them.
This is my first offence. What are my options?
First-time accused people sometimes have options that others do not, and resolutions short of trial can exist depending on the circumstances. No lawyer can promise a particular outcome, but getting advice early usually keeps more doors open. A free case evaluation is a safe place to start.
The accusation is not true. What should I do?
Do not try to clear things up with police on your own, even when you are innocent. You have the right to silence and the right to counsel. Speak with a lawyer first, preserve anything that supports your account, and let us handle the communication for you.
Can a theft or fraud charge affect my immigration status?
It can. A criminal record can have serious consequences for immigration status, and it can also affect travel, including entry to the United States. If you are not a Canadian citizen, tell your lawyer right away so that risk is considered in every decision about your case.
One allegation should not define your future
No pressure and no obligation. Just a clear conversation about where you stand and what comes next.