Possession of property obtained by crime is a distinct allegation from theft. Defence counsel for Richmond Hill, York Region, and GTA clients.
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Outcomes depend on the facts of each case.
Police sometimes charge possession of property obtained by crime when they believe a person had stolen property, even if they do not allege that person personally stole it. This page is separate from our theft lawyer page because the legal theory and proof issues differ. Vosooghi Law defends these allegations for Richmond Hill, York Region, and GTA clients from 8900 Yonge Street.
Possession can involve property on a person, in a bag, in a vehicle, or in a shared space. Joint or constructive possession theories appear in some files. Who had knowledge and control is often the core dispute. Temporary handling of an item can still feature in a Crown theory depending on the facts disclosed.
The Crown must prove the mental element the Code requires — commonly knowledge or belief that the property was obtained by crime. Low purchase price, removed serial numbers, or inconsistent explanations may feature in the Crown theory; each point can be contested after disclosure is reviewed.
Many files begin with a traffic stop, a search warrant, or an online marketplace investigation. Charter issues about search and seizure are assessed from the record. Related property crime pages include robbery and fraud where the broader narrative overlaps.
Informations may distinguish value levels and may add theft or fraud counts. Defence strategy looks at the entire information, not a single label on a police occurrence report.
Outcomes can affect criminal records, employment screening, professional licensing, travel, and immigration. Property seizure and restitution discussions may also arise. Marketplace sellers and buyers both appear in these files; your role in the police narrative should be checked against the disclosure rather than assumed.
Property found in shared apartments, workplaces, or borrowed vehicles raises control and knowledge questions. Do not assume ownership labels on an occurrence report settle those issues. Counsel examines who had access and what the messages or receipts actually show.
We review how possession and knowledge are alleged, examine search issues at a high level, and advise on resolution or trial. See the criminal defence hub and Richmond Hill criminal defence.
Call (416) 998 8900 or request a consultation.
Theft focuses on dishonest taking. Possession of property obtained by crime focuses on possessing property that was obtained by crime, with the knowledge the law requires. You can face one or both theories depending on the police narrative.
Typically, possession, that the property was obtained by crime, and the required knowledge or belief. Exact elements follow the Criminal Code wording on your information.
Online marketplace purchases appear often in these files. Price, seller anonymity, and messaging context may be relevant. Preserve chat logs and payment records; do not alter them.
Vehicle stops sometimes produce possession allegations regarding tools, electronics, or other property. Search legality and knowledge are frequent issues for counsel to review after disclosure.
Screening consequences depend on the outcome and the type of check. Ask counsel about your situation rather than relying on general online summaries.
