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What Are The Consequences Of A Robbery Conviction In Toronto?

March 2023

A conviction for robbery in Toronto can have significant and long-lasting consequences for an individual's life and future. Not only can it lead to imprisonment, but it can also impact an individual's ability to secure employment, travel, and rebuild their life after serving their sentence. In this blog post, we will explore the consequences of a robbery conviction in Toronto, and how working with an experienced criminal defence lawyer like Titan Defence can help to protect your rights and minimize the impact of a conviction. But first, let's look at the difference between robbery and theft, and why it's essential to understand the distinctions between these two crimes.

The difference between Robbery and Theft

Robbery and theft are two distinct crimes with different legal implications in Ontario. The main difference between these two offenses is the element of violence involved in robbery. Robbery involves the use or threat of force against a person in order to steal property, whereas theft does not involve any violence. In Ontario, robbery is considered a more serious crime than theft and carries harsher penalties.

Robbery is considered a violent crime because it involves using force to take property from someone. This could include physically attacking someone, threatening them with a weapon, or even using intimidation or coercion. In Ontario, robbery is a criminal offense that is punishable by up to life imprisonment. The severity of the punishment depends on the circumstances of the crime, such as the level of violence used and the value of the property stolen.

On the other hand, theft is a non-violent crime that involves taking someone's property without their consent. In Ontario, theft is also a criminal offense and is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Theft can occur in many different ways, such as shoplifting, stealing a car, or breaking into someone's home. The severity of the punishment for theft depends on the value of the property stolen and the offender's criminal history.

The key difference between robbery and theft in Ontario is the use of force. Robbery involves violence or the threat of violence, while theft does not. 

What are the Different Types of Robbery Charges?

Robbery is a serious crime in Toronto that involves using or threatening violence to steal property from someone. There are different types of robbery charges in Ontario, each with its own set of legal implications and penalties. From basic robbery to home invasion and carjacking, the circumstances of the crime can impact the severity of the charge and potential penalties. If you are facing robbery charges in Ontario, it's important to understand the different types of charges and their associated penalties, and to seek the advice of an experienced criminal defence lawyer who can help you navigate the legal system and mount a strong defence. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of robbery charges in Ontario, and what you need to know if you're facing these charges.

  1. Robbery: This is the most basic form of robbery and involves the use or threat of violence to steal property from someone. It is punishable by up to life imprisonment.
  2. Robbery with a Weapon: This is a more serious form of robbery that involves the use of a weapon, such as a gun or knife, during the commission of the crime. It is punishable by up to life imprisonment.
  3. Robbery with a Firearm: This is a specific type of robbery that involves the use of a firearm during the commission of the crime. It is also punishable by up to life imprisonment. If found guilty, there is a minimum of 4 years imprisonment.
  4. Home Invasion: This is a type of robbery that involves entering someone's home while they are present with the intent to steal property. It is punishable by up to life imprisonment.
  5. Carjacking: This is a specific type of robbery that involves stealing a car from someone using force or the threat of force. In Toronto, carjacking is a serious crime and can carry significant legal penalties. Carjackers may use violence, intimidation, or threats to steal a vehicle, often with the intention of using the car to commit other crimes or to sell it on the black market. Carjacking can occur in a variety of settings, such as parking lots, residential areas, and even on the road. The prevalence of carjacking in Toronto has varied over time, with some years seeing a spike in reported incidents. It's important for drivers to take precautions to reduce the risk of carjacking, such as parking in well-lit areas and keeping their doors locked while driving. If you are a victim of carjacking in Toronto or are facing carjacking charges, it's important to seek the advice of a criminal defence lawyer who can help you understand your legal options and mount a strong defence.
  6. Bank Robbery: This is a specific type of robbery that involves stealing money or property from a bank using force or the threat of force. It is punishable by up to life imprisonment.

What is the range of sentences for a Robbery Conviction in Toronto?

The penalties for a robbery conviction in Toronto, Ontario can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances of the crime and the offender's criminal history. A first-time offender who committed a non-violent robbery with no aggravating factors may receive a less severe sentence, such as probation or a short period of imprisonment. However, for more serious cases, such as, robbery with a firearm, or multiple offenses, the penalties can be much harsher. Offenders can face up to life imprisonment, fines, or both. In addition, a robbery conviction can have long-lasting consequences, such as difficulty finding employment, housing, or other opportunities, and can affect an individual's ability to travel outside of Canada.

The range of sentences for a robbery conviction can also be influenced by the offender's behavior after the crime, such as whether they cooperate with law enforcement, show remorse, or make restitution to the victim. The offender's criminal defence lawyer can also play an important role in negotiating a plea bargain or mounting a strong defence in court. If you're facing robbery charges in Toronto, it's important to seek the advice of an experienced criminal defence lawyer who can help you understand your legal options and work to minimize the potential consequences of a conviction.

How A Robbery Conviction Impact Your Life

A robbery conviction or record can have serious and long-lasting impacts on an individual's life and future prospects. Firstly, a robbery conviction can result in a significant period of imprisonment, which can lead to the loss of employment, education, and other opportunities. It can also cause severe emotional distress and strain on personal relationships, as well as damage one's reputation within their community. In addition, a criminal record can make it difficult to secure future employment, housing, and financial opportunities. Many employers and landlords conduct background checks, and a criminal record can result in automatic rejection from employment or housing opportunities, even for relatively minor offenses.

Secondly, a robbery conviction can limit an individual's ability to travel outside of Canada, as many countries have strict rules around admitting individuals with a criminal record. For example, the United States may bar entry to individuals with certain types of criminal records, including robbery convictions. This can be a significant barrier to education, business, and personal travel, as well as impact relationships with family and friends who live or travel outside of Canada.

Lastly, a robbery conviction can have an impact on an individual's ability to rebuild their life after serving their sentence. It can be difficult to overcome the stigma associated with a criminal record, and many individuals may face discrimination, bias, or prejudice in their attempts to move forward. It's important to work with a criminal defence lawyer who can help you understand your legal options and potential consequences of a conviction, and to take steps to minimize the impact of a conviction on your life and future.

The Importance of Hiring a Robbery Lawyer in Toronto

If you're facing robbery charges in Toronto, it's essential to seek the help of an experienced criminal defence lawyer who can protect your rights and work to minimize the potential consequences of a conviction. Titan Defence is a criminal defence law firm in Toronto Ontario that specializes in defending individuals facing serious criminal charges, including robbery. The lawyers at Titan Defence have the experience, knowledge, and skills needed to develop effective strategies for defending individuals facing robbery charges, as well as access to resources and networks that can be used to build a strong case.

When you work with Titan Defence, you can expect to receive personalized attention and support throughout the legal process. The lawyers at Titan Defence will work closely with you to understand the specific circumstances of your case, explain your legal options, and develop a defence strategy that takes into account your unique needs and goals. They will also provide you with regular updates on your case, answer your questions, and ensure that your rights are protected at all times. By working with Titan Defence, you can feel confident that you're getting the best possible defence and are taking the necessary steps to protect your rights, freedom, and future.

Contact Us Right Away

If you or someone you know is facing robbery charges, it's crucial to act quickly and seek the help of an experienced criminal defence lawyer. At Titan Defence, we understand the seriousness of robbery charges and are dedicated to providing our clients with the strong defence they need. We have a deep understanding of the laws, regulations, and procedures related to robbery, and our lawyers are able to develop effective defence strategies to protect your rights and minimize the potential consequences of a conviction.

Our experienced robbery defence team is ready to help you navigate the legal process and work towards the best possible outcome for your case. Whether it's negotiating a plea deal, developing a defence strategy, or going to trial, we have the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to defend against robbery charges. Don't hesitate to contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you protect your rights and freedom. 

Author: Titan LLP

NOTE: THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE AND THIS SHOULD ONLY BE RELIED ON FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES. THIS BLOG IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR LEGAL ADVICE BY AN ACTUAL LAWYER. THE LAW ALSO DYNAMIC IS CHANGES OFTEN, AND AS A RESULT, THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN MAY BE OUTDATED AFTER TIME. THIS BLOG MUST NOT BE RELIED ON AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR ACTUAL LEGAL RESEARCH.