Theft & Robbery Offences
Being accused of theft or robbery can place your freedom, employment, and reputation at immediate risk.
Ivy Law provides strategic representation for individuals charged with Theft & Robbery offences across Alberta and British Columbia. These charges range from shoplifting and employee theft to serious robbery allegations involving force or threats.
Our defence lawyers represent clients throughout Calgary, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Red Deer, Vancouver, Surrey, and Abbotsford, providing focused defence when allegations involve dishonesty, violence, or financial loss.
Get the legal guidance you need. Contact Ivy Law for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case, understand your options, and take the first step toward protecting your rights.
Key Takeaways
- Theft & Robbery offences involve allegations of taking property without lawful authority
- Robbery includes the use or threat of violence and carries higher penalties
- These cases often turn on intent, identification, and credibility
- Convictions can lead to jail time, restitution orders, and long-term record consequences
- Early defence can affect bail, disclosure, and the direction of the case
Criminal Defence Representation
Theft and robbery charges can lead to restrictive release conditions, employment consequences, and significant reputational harm even before trial. Early legal intervention matters, particularly where police rely on surveillance, witness identification, or statements taken under pressure. Strong defence begins with a careful review of what the Crown can actually prove and whether the evidence is reliable.
Understanding Theft & Robbery Offences
Theft is governed by section 322 of the Criminal Code. Robbery is governed by section 343. The legal issues can depend on value, planning, alleged use of force, and whether the Crown can prove intent beyond a reasonable doubt. In many cases, the details of timing, possession, identification, and reliability of witnesses become central to the defence.
How We Help
- Review disclosure, surveillance, statements, and identification evidence for weaknesses
- Assess whether intent and knowledge can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt
- Challenge unreliable witnesses, flawed identification, and improper police procedures
- Advocate for bail and reasonable release conditions where detention is sought
- Engage the Crown to seek withdrawals, reductions, or appropriate resolutions
The Defence Process
- Initial review of the allegation, release conditions, and disclosure
- Strategic assessment of evidence reliability, intent, and legal issues
- Court advocacy through bail hearings, applications, and trial proceedings
- Resolution focused on protecting your record, employment, and future
Common Scenarios & Charges
- Theft under s.322 Criminal Code
- Theft under $5,000 under s.334 Criminal Code
- Theft over $5,000 under s.334 Criminal Code
- Robbery under s.343 Criminal Code
- Possession of property obtained by crime under s.354 Criminal Code
Frequently Asked Questions
Get quick answers to questions clients frequently ask before working with our firm.
Theft is taking property without lawful authority. Robbery involves theft combined with violence or the threat of violence.
Not always. The Crown may rely on surveillance, statements, or circumstantial evidence, which still must be reliable and provable in court.
It depends on the allegation and background. Robbery charges often come with stricter bail conditions and a higher risk of detention.
In some cases, outcomes may be negotiated depending on the evidence, context, and history, but each case must be assessed on its own facts.
Your Story Matters. Let's Talk.
The Right Next Step Starts with a Conversation
You don't need to have every answer before speaking with a lawyer. Sometimes, you simply need someone to listen, explain your options, and help you understand what comes next.
At Ivy Law, we're here to help you navigate life's legal challenges with personalized guidance and a clear path forward.