Theft & Property Crime Recent Case Summaries

Client was charged with domestic assault and mischief under $5,000. The complainant, the client’s partner of eight years who was thirteen weeks pregnant at the time, alleged that during an argument over suspected infidelity, the client pushed her head into a wall and destroyed her cell phone. We represented the client at trial and secured a not guilty verdict on both charges.

Client, a young offender, was charged with forcible confinement, theft under $5,000, and assault. The Crown alleged the client got into an altercation with a worker at the group home where he resided, assaulted and forcibly confined the worker, and stole property belonging to the group home. We successfully negotiated the withdrawal of all charges.

Client was charged with possession of heroin for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of proceeds of crime, and carrying a concealed weapon. Police investigated the client following two confidential tips. Officers conducting surveillance alleged they observed the client engage in hand-to-hand transactions with two individuals. Police searched the client and his vehicle, allegedly finding heroin in separate bags, brass knuckles, and cash. We exploited issues with the police investigation and Crown disclosure delays, persuading the Crown not to pursue the charges.

Client was charged with possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking, simple possession of marijuana, and possession of proceeds of crime. Police approached the client after observing him littering while leaving a shopping centre. Officers claimed to detect a strong odour of marijuana. The client was arrested and searched, and police found approximately 9 grams of marijuana, a digital scale, and a large quantity of cash. We conducted a thorough disclosure review and demonstrated serious Charter violations regarding arbitrary detention and illegal search and seizure. The Crown withdrew all charges. Five months later, we also secured the destruction of the client’s fingerprints and photographs.

Client was charged with possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime. Police observed the client in Toronto’s Kensington Market conducting a hand-to-hand drug transaction with another individual. We represented the client and successfully negotiated the withdrawal of all charges before a trial date was set.

Client was charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of stolen property. Police observed three of the client’s friends in a stolen vehicle. When spotted, the occupants fled and police gave chase. Officers alleged they saw the client pull a bag of marijuana from his pocket and drop it while running. On the morning of trial, we demonstrated there was no reasonable prospect of conviction and the Crown withdrew all charges.