Toronto Fraud Lawyer

Fraud is a serious property offence that involves an act of deceit or falsehood that results in the deprivation or risk of deprivation of somebody else’s property.  This is also applies to public property (welfare fraud cases).  These charges are commonly laid in cases of shoplifting (switching price tags), employee theft (“breach of trust”) and business transactions (mortgages).  It is not uncommon for the police to lay multiple fraud charges as many cases involve multiple transactions.  Disclosure in fraud cases is often substantial and includes witness statements and hundreds of pages of bank records.  The police have a variety of investigative tools at their disposal and Production Orders are very common in these circumstances.  Section 380 of the Criminal Code of Canada defines fraud as:

380. (1) Every one who, by deceit, falsehood or other fraudulent means, whether or not it is a false pretence within the meaning of this Act, defrauds the public or any person, whether ascertained or not, of any property, money or valuable security or any service, is guilty

A fraud conviction can negatively affect your freedom, your livelihood and your future.  Our law firm has defended countless first offenders, professionals, students and tradespeople of fraud cases with successful results.  Don’t take a chance with your future.  If you or someone you love is facing fraud charges, contact our office no to schedule a consultation.  Initial consultations are free.

What is the Punishment for Fraud?

The sentences for this offence vary depending on the quantum of the fraud.  The Criminal Code contains two fraud offences which are distinguished by the quantum of the alleged fraud.  Fraud Over $5000 is a straight indictable offence which carries a maximum punishment of fourteen years in a penitentiary.  Fraud Under $5000 is a hybrid offence.  This gives the prosecution the option of proceeding summary or by indictment (more serious).  The amount of the fraud and any criminal record of the accused almost always factor into this decision.  If the crown proceeds summarily on a fraud (under $5000) charge the maximum penalty is a $5000 fine and/or 6 months in jail.  The maximum penalty is two years incarceration when the crown proceeds by indictment if the scale of the fraud is under $5000.

Michael P. Juskey has defended many fraud cases with successful results.  Our goal in every case is to secure the best possible result, whether that be no jail, no criminal record, a withdrawal or an acquittal.

Recent Successes:

R v S.L.
My client’s charges of Fraud Over $5,000, Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime and Laundering Proceeds of Crime were withdrawn. No criminal record.

R v S.N.
Client’s charges of Fraud Over $5,000 and Utter Forged Document withdrawn. No criminal record.

R v K.N.
My client’s charges of Fraud Over $5,000 and Trafficking Proceeds of Crime were withdrawn at the request of the crown. No jail. No criminal record.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How Will a Criminal Record Affect Me?
What Are the Stages of  a Criminal Case?
What Happens if I get Arrested?
What is a Bail Hearing?
What Happens on my First Appearance?
What is Disclosure in a Criminal Case?
What is a Crown Pre-Trial?
What is a Judicial Pre-Trial?
How Does a Criminal Trial Work?  

If you have been charged with fraud our office can help you avoid jail and a criminal record.  Initial consultations are always free.