i.
What the charge means
Theft of property valued under $5,000 is a hybrid offence under section 334(b) of the Criminal Code. The Crown typically elects to proceed summarily.
Criminal Code s.334(b)
Theft Under $5,000 charges in Ajax, Ontario.
Shoplifting, employee theft, and other low-value theft charges. Routinely diverted or resolved without a criminal record for first-time accused.
- Courthouse
- Durham Region Courthouse (Ontario Court of Justice)
- Court Phone
- (905) 743-2600
- Consultation
- Free & Confidential
ii.
Penalties
Summary: up to 2 years less a day. A finding of guilt creates a criminal record. Diversion, conditional discharge, or absolute discharge frequently available for first-time accused.
iii.
Available defences
- Lack of intent (no mens rea)
- Honest but mistaken belief in ownership
- Identification
- Charter — unlawful detention or search
iv.
The process
Crown pre-charge screening, disclosure, diversion application where eligible, plea or trial. Diversion programs (e.g., Direct Accountability) can result in a stay without a record.
v.
Notes for Ajax
Ajax traffic tickets are heard at the Durham Provincial Offences Court in Whitby; criminal matters at the Durham Region Courthouse in Oshawa.
Criminal Court
Durham Region Courthouse (Ontario Court of Justice)
150 Bond Street East, Oshawa, ON L1G 0A2
(905) 743-2600
All Durham Region criminal matters, including Ajax.
Charged with theft under $5,000?
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