Theft, fraud, and other property and financial-crime charges are among the most commonly laid offences in Ontario, and they can range from a single shoplifting incident to a complex, multi-transaction fraud. This hub brings together plain-language guides to how these charges generally proceed, from investigation through to resolution. It also includes our guide to drug possession charges, which follow a related but distinct process; for drug trafficking, production, and weapons-related charges, see our Drug, Weapons & Serious Criminal Charges hub.
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Drug Possession Charges in Ontario: What You Need to Know
How a simple possession charge generally proceeds under the CDSA, and what to expect along the way.
Theft Charges in Ontario: Process, Defences and Outcomes
The general process behind a theft charge, categories of defence considerations, and how these cases tend to resolve.
Fraud Charges in Ontario: A Plain-Language Guide
How fraud investigations and court cases generally unfold, and why disclosure can take longer in these matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are drug, theft, and fraud charges prosecuted under the same law?
Not entirely. Theft and fraud are prosecuted under the federal Criminal Code, while drug offences, including simple possession, fall under a separate federal law, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. All of these charges are heard in the same Ontario courts.
Do these guides replace the specific charge pages on this site?
No. These guides are meant to complement the dedicated charge pages, such as our Drug Possession, Theft, and Fraud pages, which cover the specific offence classification and penalty ranges in more detail.
Will reading these guides tell me how my specific case will turn out?
No. These guides describe general processes and categories of legal issues that commonly arise. They are not a prediction or guarantee of any outcome, and a lawyer needs to review the specific facts and disclosure in a case before giving advice about it.
What should I do if I have been charged with one of these offences?
Each guide in this hub includes a general "What to Do Next" section with practical steps, but in broad terms, contacting a criminal lawyer or duty counsel as early as possible is generally advisable regardless of the specific charge.
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This page is general legal information, not legal advice, and does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Criminal procedure can vary by case, courthouse, and circumstance. Confirm current requirements with a qualified lawyer or an official source before relying on anything here.