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 Orillia, Ontario.
Shoplifting, employee theft, and other low-value theft charges. Routinely diverted or resolved without a criminal record for first-time accused.
- Courthouse
- Orillia Courthouse (Ontario Court of Justice)
- Court Phone
- (705) 326-2671
- 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 Orillia
Orillia-area criminal matters are heard at the Orillia Courthouse on Memorial Avenue. Provincial offences are handled by the Orillia Provincial Offences Court on West Street South — a separate court service area from Barrie, with its own office and its own trial dates.
Criminal Court
Orillia Courthouse (Ontario Court of Justice)
700 Memorial Avenue, Cottage C, Orillia, ON L3V 0T7
(705) 326-2671
Orillia and area criminal matters. Separate from the Barrie courthouse on Mulcaster Street.
Charged with theft under $5,000?
Defence starts with a conversation.
Twenty minutes, confidential, no obligation. We’ll discuss your charge, the realistic outcomes, and the cost of defence before you commit to anything.