A theft lawyer in Calgary at Centobin Law Office defends individuals charged with theft under $5,000, theft over $5,000, robbery, and break-and-enter offences under the Criminal Code of Canada. A theft conviction carries a permanent criminal record, potential jail time, and lasting damage to your employment prospects. Whether you are accused of shoplifting, auto theft, or robbery, the consequences depend on what happens in court — not at the time of arrest.
Our criminal defence lawyers in Calgary represent clients at Calgary Provincial Court and the Court of King's Bench, from first appearance through trial. We work to protect your record, your freedom, and your future.
Appearing regularly in Calgary Provincial Court, the Court of King's Bench of Alberta, and the Alberta Court of Appeal.
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Theft under Canadian law is defined in Section 322 of the Criminal Code as taking or converting property without the owner's consent with the intent to deprive them of it. A theft lawyer in Calgary evaluates whether the Crown can prove intent, ownership, and control beyond a reasonable doubt. Section 322 defines the offence broadly — it covers taking, moving, or causing property to be moved, as well as converting property that was lawfully in your possession to an unauthorized use.
A theft charge requires the Crown to prove three elements beyond a reasonable doubt: that you took or converted property, that the property belonged to someone else, and that you intended to deprive the owner of it. If any one of these elements cannot be proven, the charge should not result in a conviction.
The most common theft charge in Calgary courts. It includes shoplifting from retail stores, taking items from a workplace, or stealing personal property valued below the threshold. Despite being classified as a less serious offence, a conviction still results in a permanent criminal record, fines up to $2,000 for a first offence on summary conviction, and up to two years' imprisonment if prosecuted by indictment.
Discuss a theft under $5,000 chargeA straight indictable offence carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years' imprisonment. Cases typically involve high-value property theft, vehicle theft, or systematic workplace theft in which cumulative amounts exceed the threshold. We build defences that challenge the valuation of property, the evidence of intent, and the chain of possession.
Discuss a theft over $5,000 chargeShoplifting is charged as theft under $5,000 in most cases. Calgary retailers frequently use loss prevention officers and surveillance footage as evidence. A theft lawyer in Calgary can pursue alternative measures for first-time offenders, such as diversion programs or absolute or conditional discharges.
Discuss a shoplifting chargeRobbery involves theft combined with violence, threats of violence, or the use of a weapon. It is one of the most serious property offences in the Criminal Code, carrying a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. If a firearm is involved, mandatory minimum sentences apply.
Discuss a robbery chargeBreak — commonly called burglary — involves entering a place with the intent to commit an indictable offence, typically theft. A break-and-enter of a dwelling house carries a maximum of life imprisonment; for commercial properties, the maximum is 10 years.
Discuss a break-and-enter chargeYou can be charged with possession of stolen property even if you did not commit the original theft. The Crown must prove that you knew or ought to have known the property was obtained by crime.
Discuss a possession of stolen property chargeMotor vehicle theft is treated as theft over $5,000 in virtually all cases and is prosecuted aggressively in Alberta. Charges may include conspiracy and possession of break-in instruments in addition to the theft charge itself.
Discuss an auto theft chargeTheft is committed when a person fraudulently and without colour of right takes, or converts to their use or to the use of another person, anything with intent to deprive the owner of it temporarily or absolutely.
First-time offenders charged with theft of less than $5,000 in Alberta are often eligible for alternative outcomes that avoid a criminal record. These include diversion programs (community service, restitution, counselling), absolute discharges, and conditional discharges.
Not every theft case needs to go to trial. Our lawyers at Centobin Law Office assess the evidence, the circumstances of the arrest, and the strength of the Crown's case before recommending a strategy — and several outcomes are realistically available when the defence is built properly:
Theft charges can be dropped if the Crown determines there is no reasonable prospect of conviction or if it is not in the public interest to proceed. Your defence lawyer can present evidence, challenge disclosure weaknesses, and negotiate with the Crown to pursue withdrawal of charges.
Not every theft case needs to go to trial. For first-time offenders charged with theft under $5,000, we negotiate for diversion programs, absolute or conditional discharges, peace bonds, or withdrawn charges where the facts support it. These outcomes avoid a criminal record entirely.
First-time offenders charged with theft of less than $5,000 in Alberta are often eligible for alternative outcomes that avoid a criminal record. These include diversion programs (community service, restitution, counselling), absolute discharges, and conditional discharges. The availability of these outcomes depends on the circumstances of the offence, the value of the property involved, and whether the property was recovered.
Facing theft charges in Calgary? Speak with a theft lawyer before your next court date.
Talk to a Theft Lawyer NowPenalties for theft offences in Calgary range from fines and probation to life imprisonment for serious offences such as robbery or break-and-enter. A theft lawyer in Calgary assesses factors such as the value of the property, the use of violence, and the prior record to determine likely sentencing outcomes. The Criminal Code sets maximum sentences, but actual results depend on the circumstances of the case and the strength of your defence.
| Offence | Classification | Maximum Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Theft under $5,000 (summary) | Hybrid offence | Fine up to $5,000 and/or 6 months |
| Theft under $5,000 (indictment) | Hybrid offence | 2 years imprisonment |
| Theft over $5,000 | Straight indictable | 10 years imprisonment |
| Robbery | Straight indictable | Life imprisonment |
| Robbery with a firearm | Straight indictable | Life (4-year mandatory minimum) |
| Break (dwelling) | Straight indictable | Life imprisonment |
| Break (non-dwelling) | Hybrid offence | 10 years imprisonment |
| Possession of stolen property >$5K | Straight indictable | 10 years imprisonment |
Beyond the sentence itself, a theft conviction creates consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom. A criminal record can prevent you from passing employer background checks, travelling to the United States or other countries that screen for criminal history, and maintaining professional designations. A theft lawyer in Calgary works to avoid these collateral consequences by pursuing acquittals, withdrawn charges, or record-free outcomes.
Theft charges in Calgary can be defended by challenging intent, ownership, identification, and police procedures. A criminal defence lawyer examines whether the Crown can prove each element of the offence or whether the case can be weakened or dismissed.
Every theft case has specific facts that determine which defence approach produces the strongest outcome. Our lawyers at Centobin Law Office assess the evidence, the circumstances of the arrest, and the strength of the Crown's case before recommending a strategy. These are the defence approaches we use most frequently in Calgary theft cases:
Theft requires proof that you intended to deprive the owner of their property, either permanently or temporarily. If you believed the property was yours, borrowed it with the intention to return it, or took it by mistake, the required mental element may not be established. We examine witness statements, surveillance footage, and your account of events to build this defence.
Colour of right is a legal defence under Canadian law that applies when you had an honest belief — even if mistaken — that you had a legal claim to the property. A theft lawyer in Calgary raises this defence in workplace disputes, family property conflicts, and situations where ownership is genuinely unclear.
In robbery and retail theft cases, the Crown often relies on surveillance footage, witness identification, or loss prevention reports. Identification evidence is among the most unreliable forms of proof in criminal law. We challenge the quality of video evidence, the procedures used in photo lineups, and the reliability of eyewitness testimony.
If police conducted an unlawful search, seized property without a warrant, or failed to advise you of your right to counsel, the evidence obtained may be excluded under Section 24(2) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We review every police interaction in your case for compliance with the Charter.
In cases near the $5,000 threshold, the difference between theft under $5,000 and over $5,000 can dramatically change the potential sentence. We retain appraisers and challenge the Crown's valuation methodology when the property value is contested.
Facing theft charges in Calgary? Speak with a theft lawyer before your next court date.
Talk to a Theft Lawyer NowAfter a theft charge in Calgary, the case proceeds through a process that includes arrest, release or bail, disclosure review, and trial or resolution. Early legal representation from a theft lawyer in Calgary improves the chances of reduced charges or record-free outcomes.
We review the details of your charge, explain the possible outcomes, and outline the defence options available to you. This conversation is confidential, and there is no obligation to retain us.
Once retained, we obtain and review the Crown's disclosure package — police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and forensic evidence. A thorough disclosure review is where most defence strategies begin.
Based on the disclosure, we build a defence plan tailored to the facts of your case. We explain the strategy clearly, including realistic outcomes and timelines, so you understand every step before we proceed.
We represent you at every court appearance, including bail hearing representation if you were held in custody. We handle scheduling, adjournments, and communications with the Crown prosecutor so you do not have to navigate the court system alone.
We pursue the best available outcome — whether that means negotiating with the Crown for charges to be withdrawn, reduced, or diverted, or taking your case to trial and challenging the evidence before a judge. Our goal is always to protect your record and minimize the impact on your life.
Book your free, confidential consultation to start building your defence today.
Book Your Free ConsultationCentobin Law Office provides theft lawyer services across Calgary and the surrounding communities, including Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks, Chestermere, Strathmore, and High River. Our criminal defence lawyers in Calgary appear at Calgary Provincial Court, the Court of King's Bench in Calgary, and courts in surrounding jurisdictions.
Centobin Law Office — Calgary, AB
Phone: (403) 249-1733
Email: info@centobinlaw.ca
Choosing a theft lawyer in Calgary affects how effectively your case is defended in Alberta courts. Centobin Law Office focuses on local courtroom experience, Charter compliance, and case-specific defence strategies to protect your record and your future.
We practise daily in Calgary Provincial Court and the Court of King's Bench. Local knowledge of Crown prosecutors, court procedures, and judicial expectations gives our clients a strategic advantage.
Book a confidential consultationWe respond to calls and messages promptly because criminal charges do not wait. You will always know the status of your case and what comes next.
Book a confidential consultationWe discuss fees at the outset and provide a clear scope of work before you make any commitment. No hidden costs.
Book a confidential consultationWe have successfully defended clients facing theft under $5,000, theft over $5,000, robbery, and break-and-enter charges — achieving withdrawn charges, discharges, and acquittals.
Book a confidential consultationOur legal team includes lawyers with experience across criminal defence, immigration, and commercial litigation. This multidisciplinary background means your theft lawyer in Calgary understands how a theft charge can intersect with immigration status, professional licensing, and employment law — and advises you accordingly.
Book a confidential consultationTheft charges can be dropped if the Crown determines there is no reasonable prospect of conviction or if it is not in the public interest to proceed. Your defence lawyer can present evidence, challenge disclosure weaknesses, and negotiate with the Crown to pursue withdrawal of charges. For first-time offenders, diversion programs or alternative measures may result in charges being dropped upon completion.
A theft conviction can affect your immigration status in Canada, including applications for permanent residency, citizenship, or sponsorship. Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, a conviction for an indictable offence can render a foreign national or permanent resident inadmissible. If you are a non-citizen facing theft charges, speak with our immigration law team to understand how a conviction — or even a charge — could impact your status.
Shoplifting is charged as theft under $5,000 under the Criminal Code of Canada and is a criminal offence, not a bylaw violation or civil matter. A conviction results in a permanent criminal record. Retailers may also pursue civil recovery — a separate demand for payment — but this does not affect or replace the criminal charge.
A straightforward theft under $5,000 case in Calgary typically resolves within 3 to 6 months. More complex cases — theft over $5,000, robbery, or break-and-enter — may take 6 to 12 months or longer, depending on the volume of evidence, the number of co-accused, and whether the case proceeds to trial. We keep you informed of scheduling and progress throughout the process.
The $5,000 threshold determines the severity of the charge and the maximum penalty. Theft under $5,000 is a hybrid offence with a maximum of two years' imprisonment on indictment. Theft over $5,000 is a straight indictable offence with a maximum of 10 years. The classification affects bail conditions, the court that hears the case, and the range of available sentences.
First-time offenders charged with theft of less than $5,000 in Alberta are often eligible for alternative outcomes that avoid a criminal record. These include diversion programs (community service, restitution, counselling), absolute discharges, and conditional discharges. The availability of these outcomes depends on the circumstances of the offence, the value of the property involved, and whether the property was recovered. Our lawyers advocate strongly for record-free outcomes in first-offence cases.
Theft charges are frequently accompanied by additional charges depending on the circumstances. Robbery includes an element of violence, which may lead to assault charges in Calgary. Theft during a domestic incident may result in domestic violence charges. Break-and-enter charges often accompany theft when unlawful entry is alleged. We defend clients facing single-count and multi-count property crime prosecutions.
A theft charge does not have to define your future. Contact Centobin Law Office for a free, confidential consultation. We will review your case, explain your options, and start building your defence immediately.
This legal team easily guided me through a complicated family law matter. Their team was responsive and knowledgeable and always had my best interests at heart.
I needed help with a commercial dispute, and Centobin Law resolved it efficiently. Their attention to detail and commitment to my case was outstanding.
I was facing criminal charges and didn't know where to turn. This law firm not only defended my rights but treated me with respect and understanding throughout the process.
I couldn't have asked for better representation during my divorce. Centobin Law truly cared about my situation and fought for my best interests.
I was impressed by the way they handled my immigration case. The lawyers were knowledgeable and helped me through every step of the process.
Centobin Law Office was there for me when I needed legal representation the most. Their team was professional, prompt, and gave me the results I needed.
