$50 fine for 6th Theft Conviction

$50 fine for 6th Theft Conviction

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Charge(s):

CC: s. 334(b) – Theft under $5000

Allegations:

My client was recognized by a loss prevention officer as she entered the store. She was observed to place several items inside her bag and then exit the store without paying.

Result:

She had several prior convictions, including 2 frauds, one impersonation, and 3 thefts. Ordinarily this additional conviction would have resulted in a period of incarceration. However, I was able to negotiate a mere fine of only $50.

CSO on Massive Grow-Op

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Charge(s):

CDSA: s. 7(1) – Production of Marijuana in Excess of 3 kg., s. 5(2) – Possession of Marijuana for the Purpose of Trafficking, s. 4(1) – Possession of Marijuana; CC: s. 326(1)(a) – Theft of Electricity, s. 334(b) – Theft of Water.

Allegations:

My client was house-sitting a residence where an elaborate marijuana grow operation was occurring. The police found nearly 2000 marijuana plants, with an estimated value of almost 2.5 million dollars.

Result:

After a Preliminary Inquiry, and on the eve of a Judge and Jury Trial, the Crown offered a CSO (conditional sentence order), which my client accepted. He was placed on probation for a period of 18 months, with a curfew for the first 12 months. No jail.

Prolific Thief Avoids Jail on 45th Conviction!

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Charge(s):

CC: s.334(b) – Theft

Allegations:

My client attempted to steal a bag full of booze from a liquor store, was apprehended by the clerk, who removed the liquor from him, then he grabbed a large bottle of vodka and ran out the door. In the process, he dropped his wallet and was easily identified and apprehended.

Result:

Because he had 44 prior criminal convictions, and he had only just turned 18 years of age, the Crown was seeking a custodial sentence. After some negotiations, my client received a suspended sentence, instead, with probation for a period of one year.

Discharge for Using a Stolen License Plate Again

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Charge(s):

CC: s.355(b) – Possession of stolen property

Allegations:

My client stole a license plate and got a photo radar ticket with the stolen plate on the back of his car, on the same day that it was stolen. He also incurred additional tickets on that same stolen plate. Several months later, he crashed his car and abandoned it. The police found him at home, shortly thereafter, and he was clearly intoxicated. The stolen license plate was found inside his crashed vehicle. He lied to the police about finding it recently in a car wash and just not having had the time to turn it in yet. He had previously been referred to alternative measures for stealing a different license plate as well. He ran the first part of his trial without counsel, then hired me because he was going to be convicted and the Crown was seeking a jail term.

Result:

I negotiated a plea deal to avoid jail time. After presenting lengthy arguments, the judge very reluctantly granted a conditional discharge, with a charitable donation. No criminal conviction!

Charges Withdrawn on Fraudulent Driver’s Licence

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Charge(s):

CC: s.380(1)(b) – Fraud, s.368(1)(a) – Uttering a Forged Document

Allegations:

My client obtained a driver’s license and claimed that he was not under suspension. Later, they discovered that he had another driver’s license, under a different name, and that he had seven outstanding suspensions. He had a very lengthy criminal record and was not entitled to drive.

Result:

On the day of trial, the Crown called no evidence and all charges were dismissed. No criminal convictions.