Theft & Robbery Defence Lawyer 

Charged with theft, robbery, break and enter, possession of stolen property, or another property-related offence?

 

A criminal conviction can have serious and lasting consequences, including a criminal record, imprisonment, employment barriers, travel restrictions, and significant damage to your reputation.

 

Many property crime allegations involve complex police investigations, surveillance evidence, forensic evidence, search warrants, witness statements, and contested issues surrounding identification, possession, intent, and ownership. Successfully defending these charges requires a strategic and experienced criminal defence lawyer who understands how to challenge the

 

Crown's evidence and protect your rights.

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At Michael Coristine Law, we provide strategic, trial-ready defence for a broad range of theft, robbery, and property-related offences, including:

 

Robbery & Property Crime Charges

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• Robbery (Criminal Code s. 343)

• Extortion (Criminal Code s. 346)

• Breaking and Entering (Criminal Code s. 348)

• Being Unlawfully in a Dwelling-House (Criminal Code s. 349)

• Possession of Break-In Instruments (Criminal Code s. 351)

• Disguise with Intent (Criminal Code s. 351(2))

• Possession of Stolen Property (Criminal Code s. 354)

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (Criminal Code s. 354)

 

Robbery Charges

 

Robbery is among the most serious property-related offences under the Criminal Code because it combines allegations of theft with violence, threats, intimidation, or the use of force. Convictions often result in significant jail sentences and may carry additional consequences where weapons are involved.

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Robbery investigations frequently involve eyewitness identification, surveillance footage, forensic evidence, digital communications, and police interviews. These cases are often highly contested and require careful analysis of the evidence and the prosecution's theory of the case.

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Break & Enter Offences

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Break and enter allegations can arise from residential, commercial, or industrial property investigations. These prosecutions often involve fingerprint evidence, DNA evidence, surveillance recordings, cell phone data, and circumstantial evidence linking an accused to a location.

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The Crown must prove each element of the offence beyond a reasonable doubt. In many cases, issues relating to identity, intent, ownership, possession, or the legality of police searches become central to the defence.

Possession of Stolen Property & Related Offences

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Many individuals are surprised to learn that they can be charged even if they were not directly involved in a theft or break-in. Possession of stolen property charges often focus on whether the accused knew, or ought to have known, that the property was obtained through criminal activity.

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These cases frequently involve disputed ownership, questions surrounding knowledge and intent, and allegations based primarily on circumstantial evidence. A thorough review of the evidence is critical before deciding how to proceed.

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Extortion & Serious Criminal Allegations

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Extortion charges typically involve allegations that threats, intimidation, coercion, or pressure were used to obtain money, property, services, or another benefit. These cases often arise from personal disputes, business conflicts, relationship breakdowns, or electronic communications.

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Given the seriousness of these allegations, Crown Attorneys frequently pursue extortion cases aggressively and may seek substantial penalties upon conviction.

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Building a Strategic Defence

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Successfully defending robbery, extortion, break and enter, and property crime allegations often requires careful examination of:

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• Search warrants and police investigations

• Charter violations and unlawful searches

• Eyewitness identification evidence

• Surveillance and video evidence

• Digital and cell phone evidence

• Statements made to police

• Possession and ownership issues

• Knowledge and intent requirements

 

Every case is unique, and a successful defence often depends on identifying weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence and developing a strategy tailored to the specific circumstances of the allegation.

 

Experienced Criminal Defence Representation

 

As a former Senior Crown Attorney, Michael Coristine prosecuted many serious criminal matters involving robbery, property crimes, and complex investigations. He understands how these cases are built, how evidence is assessed by prosecutors, and where weaknesses may exist within the Crown's case.

 

Today, Michael uses that experience to defend individuals facing serious criminal allegations and to ensure their rights are protected at every stage of the criminal process.

 

If you have been charged with robbery, extortion, break and enter, possession of stolen property, or any related property crime offence, contact Michael Coristine Law immediately. Early legal advice can be critical to protecting your freedom, reputation, and future.