Criminal Defense Attorney Toronto: Defending Property vs Violent Crimes

Introduction

There are different categories of crimes in Canada. This article focuses on two of those categories — namely violent and property offences, with the view to explain the differences between them as far as what to expect in court.

If you are charged with either a violent or property offence, your first step is to consult with a Criminal Defense Attorney in Toronto. Even if you don’t end up retaining one, that consultation may pay dividends with your case, and you may be equipped with tips that you otherwise would have missed had you taken the case on entirely alone.

For a free consultation with an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Toronto, call Andrew Captan today at (647) 878-6355.

Types of Violent Offences

There are a wide array of violent crimes in the Criminal Code of Canada, and each will differ in terms of severity. These offences have as their hallmark the use or the threatened use of violence. The following are examples of Violent offences:

• Assault
• Assault causing bodily harm
• Assault with a weapon
• Aggravated Assault
• Robbery
• Manslaughter
• Murder

Types of Property Crimes

Property crimes, by contrast, do not involve violence. As the category name suggests, the offences relate to either personal or real property, and typically involve the taking, converting or unlawful manipulation of said property. Examples of property crimes include:

• Fraud
• Theft
• Mischief
• Break and Enter

Whether you are charged with a property or violent offence, a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Toronto will be key to navigating the court process, and building a defence unique to the type of charge(s) you are facing.

Comparing Defences to Property and Violent Offences

Property offences and violent offences often involve different defence strategies. There are defences unique to violent offences that would not be available for property crimes, and vise versa.

For example, the defence of self defence would be a defence you could only raise for a violent offence such as assault or murder. The defence of “colour of right”, by contrast, would be a defence that is applicable to property crimes, such as fraud, only.

A Criminal Defense Lawyer in Toronto will also know that the evidence in property crimes and violence offences may be different.

Punishments

The potential punishments typically are more severe for violent offences for obvious reasons — someone who affects another person’s physical well being in a negative manner is at risk of more stiff penalties than for someone who adversely affects another person’s property.

There are several violent offences for which the maximum punishment is life in prison, including manslaughter and murder. There are very few property offences for which the maximum punishment is life. One of these is break and enter into a dwelling home.

Because of the broad range of punishments for both categories of offences, you should consult a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Toronto for advice on the potential penalties in your case.

Violent and Property Offence Lawyer – Andrew Captan

Andrew Captan, Criminal Defense Lawyer Toronto, is an experienced lawyer that practices in violent and property offences. For a FREE consultation, call (647) 878 – 6355 or e-mail andrew@captanlaw.com