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 Cambridge, Ontario.
Shoplifting, employee theft, and other low-value theft charges. Routinely diverted or resolved without a criminal record for first-time accused.
- Courthouse
- Kitchener Courthouse (Ontario Court of Justice)
- Court Phone
- (519) 741-3200
- 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 Cambridge
Cambridge has no courthouse. Waterloo Region criminal matters are heard at the Kitchener courthouse on Frederick Street, and provincial offences at the Waterloo Region POA court on Queen Street North in Kitchener.
Criminal Court
Kitchener Courthouse (Ontario Court of Justice)
85 Frederick Street, Kitchener, ON N2H 0A7
(519) 741-3200
All Waterloo Region criminal matters — Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and the townships. There is no criminal court in Cambridge.
Charged with theft under $5,000?
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