Charged With
Shoplifting in Toronto?
One Mistake Shouldn't Define Your Record.
Shoplifting is prosecuted as theft under $5,000 and can result in a permanent criminal record — even for a first-time, low-value incident. Legal Solutions Law Firm fights for diversion and record-protecting outcomes.
Toronto Shoplifting Defence
Toronto Shoplifting Charges: A First Mistake Deserves a Second Chance
Shoplifting is charged as theft under $5,000 under Criminal Code s.334(b) and applies to taking merchandise without paying, altering price tags, or concealing items with intent to avoid payment. Many cases involve first-time offenders, momentary lapses in judgment, or genuine misunderstandings about self-checkout systems.
Retailers and loss prevention officers do not have unlimited authority, and the evidence they gather — video footage, incident reports, witness statements — is not always as conclusive as it first appears. We review this evidence carefully in every case.
Legal Solutions Law Firm works to secure diversion, discharges, or withdrawals that protect your record from a single mistake. Call or text 416-274-2222 for a free, confidential consultation.
We carefully review security footage, which often fails to capture full context or intent.
We push for diversion programs that allow first-time offenders to avoid a formal criminal record entirely.
Genuine mistakes — self-checkout confusion, distraction, forgetting an item — do not meet the legal standard for theft.
Know your total cost upfront. No hourly billing, with flexible payment options available.
Real-World Scenarios
Common Shoplifting Scenarios We Handle
Shoplifting allegations arise from a wide range of retail circumstances. Here are common scenarios we see across Toronto.
Self-Checkout Scanning Error
A genuinely missed or unscanned item at a self-checkout kiosk, later characterized as theft.
Price Tag Switching Allegation
An accusation of altering or swapping price tags to pay a lower amount.
Concealment Allegation
An allegation of hiding merchandise in a bag, cart, or clothing with intent to avoid payment.
Youth or Teen Shoplifting
An incident involving a young person, often handled differently under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Receipt or Refund Fraud Allegation
A dispute over a return, exchange, or refund characterized by the retailer as fraudulent.
What We Handle
Shoplifting Situations We Defend
We handle shoplifting allegations arising from a wide range of retail circumstances across the GTA.
Our Approach
How We Defend Your Case
Call us any time — 24/7. We review exactly what happened and any documentation from the store at no cost.
We assess your eligibility for diversion programs that can resolve the matter without a formal criminal record.
We carefully review all available footage and store documentation for gaps, context, or exculpatory details.
We obtain all Crown evidence, including witness statements and loss prevention reports.
We negotiate directly with the Crown, working toward a withdrawal, diversion, or discharge.
If necessary, we take the matter to trial and test the Crown's evidence on intent and the circumstances of the incident.
Plain Language Legal Guide
Shoplifting Charges — What You Need to Know
Say Nothing to Loss Prevention
Store security officers often ask you to sign statements or "admit" to what happened. You are not required to do this.
Politely decline to make any statement and contact a lawyer before discussing the incident with anyone.
Diversion Can Avoid a Record Entirely
For first-time, lower-value shoplifting allegations, diversion programs allow the matter to be resolved through community service or an educational program rather than a formal prosecution.
We advocate strongly for diversion wherever you are eligible.
Not Every Incident Is Intentional
Self-checkout scanning errors, distraction with children, or genuinely forgetting an item in a cart or bag are common — and do not meet the legal standard for theft, which requires deliberate intent.
We carefully investigate whether the required intent can actually be established.
Video Footage Has Limits
Security footage often captures only part of an incident and can be misleading without full context — camera angles, timing, and what happened before and after matter.
We review all available footage rather than accepting the store's summary of events.
Youth Shoplifting Cases
Shoplifting charges involving young people are handled under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, with a strong emphasis on extrajudicial measures.
We advocate for outcomes that protect a young person's future from a single lapse in judgment.
Why a Record Matters
Even a minor shoplifting conviction can affect employment — particularly in retail, finance, and any position of trust — and international travel.
Given these stakes, pursuing diversion or a withdrawal is almost always the right strategy.
Know the Process
Where Your Case Is Heard — Toronto Courts
Shoplifting (theft under $5,000) is typically prosecuted summarily at Toronto's Ontario Court of Justice.
Ontario Court of Justice — 10 Armoury Street
Toronto's criminal matters — including first appearances, bail hearings, and trials for summary and many indictable offences — are heard at 10 Armoury Street. This purpose-built courthouse opened in 2023, consolidating the criminal courts formerly split across Old City Hall and College Park into one 17-storey building, the largest courthouse in Ontario.
Superior Court of Justice — 361 University Avenue
More serious indictable matters and jury trials are heard at the Superior Court of Justice at 361 University Avenue, which houses both the Criminal and Family branches. This is a separate courthouse from 330 and 393 University Avenue, which handle Superior Court civil matters.
Know What's at Stake
Potential Penalties
Shoplifting is charged as theft under $5,000, and first-time, lower-value matters are often eligible for diversion. The information below is general — your actual exposure depends on the specific facts of your case.
Maximum penalty of up to 2 years less a day in jail and/or a fine.
A higher maximum penalty applies where the Crown proceeds by indictment, though this is uncommon for typical shoplifting matters.
Many first-time, lower-value cases are resolved through a diversion program — community service or an educational program — resulting in no criminal record.
Charges involving a person under 18 are handled under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, with a strong emphasis on extrajudicial measures over formal prosecution.
Understanding Your Options
Possible Case Outcomes — Best to Worst
Every criminal case can result in a range of outcomes. Our goal is always to achieve the best possible result — and in the vast majority of cases, that means no jail and no permanent criminal record.
Charged With Shoplifting? Diversion May Protect Your Record Entirely.
A single mistake shouldn't define your future. Legal Solutions Law Firm is available 24/7 — your consultation is always free.
Why Legal Solutions
Why Choose Our Toronto Shoplifting Defence Lawyers
Shoplifting cases reward a lawyer who knows how to secure diversion and negotiate effectively with retail loss prevention departments and the Crown. Ryan Manilla has handled these matters at the Ontario Bar for over 15 years.
We fight for outcomes that let a single mistake stay in the past.
Client Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
I had a very positive experience with Legal Solutions Law Firm. Ryan represented me in a family court matter and provided excellent guidance and support throughout the entire process. He was professional, knowledgeable, and always took the time to answer my questions and explain everything clearly. Family court matters can be stressful, but Ryan helped make the process much easier and gave me confidence every step of the way. I truly appreciated his dedication, responsiveness, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. I highly recommend Legal Solutions Law Firm and Ryan to anyone looking for a compassionate and experienced family lawyer.
We tried to defend ourselves in civil court, but ultimately decided to hire Ryan — and it was the wisest decision we have made in the last two years of hell with our condo managers. Ryan and his team have been exceptional: swift, sharp, on the ball, and always asking the right questions while making the right arguments to move our case forward to the Superior Court.
Ryan did an outstanding job on my case. He was clear, professional, and always kept me informed. Thanks to his hard work, my charges were dropped. I’m very grateful and highly recommend him.
I wish I could add five more stars to show how happy we are with the legal services of Ryan J. Manilla and his team. They took charge of our legal matters, worked tirelessly on short notice, and delivered outstanding legal documents on time. Their teamwork, professionalism, patience, and understanding of our situation gave us tremendous peace of mind. Most importantly, we sleep better at night knowing that we are in good hands, with a legal team that has the expertise and compassion to handle sensitive matters with care.
I had a great experience working with Ryan at Legal Solutions. He is professional, responsive, and very knowledgeable. Any time I had questions, he got back to me quickly and provided practical advice. I wouldn’t hesitate to use him again.
I was going through anxiety not knowing what to expect with my case. Ryan explained everything simply and stood up for me at my hearing. I’m really thankful for his help!
I had such a stressful time trying to find legal help. I felt lost and hopeless when I got a notice to appear at the LTB. When I found Ryan, he stepped up and defended me. He’s knowledgeable about both the LTB and criminal law, and most importantly he’s tough! Exactly what I was looking for. I’m so glad I found him.
Ryan is a tough lawyer who defended us during a very difficult time. He helped me with a Landlord and Tenant Board issue. People told me to get a paralegal, but the ones I contacted either wouldn’t help or couldn’t communicate well in English. When I found Ryan, he explained the situation clearly and told me what to do. He showed up to the hearing tough and ready to go. I’m so glad I found him!
One of the best. Well poised, smart articulate. Know his stuff and one of the best lawyer out there to work with.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Defending Clients Across Toronto and the GTA
Our Reach
Serving Every Toronto Neighbourhood
From shoplifting charges arising downtown to cases across the inner suburbs, Legal Solutions Law Firm defends clients throughout Toronto.
From My Experience: Shoplifting Charges Are Often the Most Fixable Cases I See
Clients facing a first-time shoplifting charge are often more distressed than the situation actually calls for — they picture a permanent record following them for the rest of their lives. In my experience, these cases are frequently among the most resolvable in the entire criminal justice system.
Why Diversion Is My First Move
For eligible clients, diversion is almost always my starting point. It gives someone who made a genuine mistake — or was truly confused by a self-checkout machine — a path to walk away with no criminal record at all. I've seen this option change the entire trajectory of someone's case.
I also take the video evidence seriously in every file, because store security footage rarely tells the complete story. Camera angles miss things, and context that would explain an "incident" completely is often left out of the initial loss prevention report. If you've been charged with shoplifting, don't assume the worst — call me and let's go through exactly what happened: 416-274-2222.
Free Resources
Tools & Guides
Wondering whether diversion is available, or whether this will leave you with a criminal record? These free tools and guides can help:
Speak With a Shoplifting Defence Lawyer Today
Facing a shoplifting charge? Contact Legal Solutions Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.