7 Common Myths About Theft Charges in Edmonton: What You Need to Know

May 7, 2026

Being charged with theft in Edmonton is a serious matter that can drastically affect your life. However, many people mistakenly believe certain myths about theft charges that can distort their understanding of the legal process. These myths can lead to confusion, incorrect decisions, and ultimately, worse outcomes. If you need a professional criminal defence lawyer in Edmonton, it’s important to know the truth behind these misconceptions so that you can make informed decisions about your case. In this blog, we will break down 7 common myths about theft charges and provide clarity on the legal realities you face when accused of theft.

What Are Theft Charges in Edmonton?

Theft is the unlawful taking of someone else’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. In Edmonton, theft charges can range from petty theft (theft of items worth less than $5,000) to grand theft (items exceeding $5,000 in value). The range of theft offences also includes auto theft, burglary, shoplifting, fraud, and more.

Petty Theft: Involves property of lesser value, often under $5,000.
Grand Theft: Refers to stealing property worth more than $5,000.
Theft by Deception (Fraud): Stealing through trickery or false representation.

The severity of the theft charge often depends on factors such as the method of the theft, the value of the stolen items, and whether violence was involved. Penalties for theft charges can range from fines to imprisonment and can have long-term consequences on your personal life and employment opportunities. The Government of Canada’s report on how criminal records can affect employment prospects. A criminal conviction can make it difficult to secure employment in various sectors.

Myth #1: Theft Charges Are Only for Shoplifting

One of the most common misconceptions is that theft charges are only applicable to shoplifting. While shoplifting is a common form of theft, it is far from the only type of theft. Theft charges can apply to a wide range of activities, including:

Burglary: Breaking into a home or business with the intent to steal.
Auto Theft: Stealing vehicles is a serious criminal offence in Edmonton.
Fraud: Deceptively obtaining money or property by false representation, including credit card fraud and investment fraud.

The legal ramifications of each type of theft vary, and not all theft charges are related to shoplifting or petty crimes. If you’re facing theft charges in Edmonton, don’t assume your case is minor just because it doesn’t involve a store. Theft can be considered a felony depending on the circumstances and the value of the stolen items. For instance, fraud and embezzlement carry severe penalties under the Canadian Criminal Code.

Myth #2: If You Didn’t Intend to Steal, You Can’t Be Charged

Many people wrongly believe that if they didn’t intend to steal something, they can’t be charged with theft. However, intent is not always necessary for a theft conviction. Under Canadian law, even accidental theft, where the defendant did not mean to steal the item, can still result in a criminal charge. For example:

Taking an item by mistake or forgetting to pay for something in a store can still lead to charges, as the crime is defined by the unlawful taking rather than the intent to steal.
Theft by mistake is a defence, but it must be proven to the satisfaction of the court.

A theft defence lawyer in Edmonton can argue that there was no criminal intent, which might help in mitigating the charges, but the fact remains that theft is based on the unlawful taking of property, regardless of intent.

Myth #3: You Can Only Be Charged with Theft if Caught in the Act

Another myth is that theft charges only apply if you are caught red-handed. In fact, this is not the case. Theft charges can be based on various forms of evidence, such as:

Surveillance footage (video from security cameras or personal cameras showing the theft)
Witness testimony (if someone saw the theft take place)
Circumstantial evidence (items found in your possession that were stolen)

Even if you were not caught during the act, the police can build a strong case against you using the evidence they have. A skilled lawyer can review this evidence and work on challenging its validity, especially if it’s based on circumstantial evidence.

Myth #4: If You Return Stolen Property, You Won’t Face Charges

Many people believe that if they return stolen property, the theft charge will be dismissed. However, returning stolen items does not automatically absolve you of the crime. While returning property may be considered in sentencing, it does not cancel out the crime. Theft charges remain valid, and you may still face penalties. The law recognizes that while the property was returned, the theft still occurred, and criminal intent may be assumed. A criminal defence lawyer can argue that returning property demonstrates remorse and can help reduce the severity of the punishment, but returning the stolen goods does not eliminate the legal ramifications.

Myth #5: You Can’t Be Charged with Theft from Your Own Employer

Some people mistakenly believe that they cannot face theft charges for stealing from their employer. Theft from the workplace is a criminal offence and can lead to severe legal consequences. In fact, it is often categorized as fraud or embezzlement, depending on the situation. Employees who steal from their employer could be accused of:

Stealing office supplies
Embezzling company funds
Taking merchandise or confidential information

The consequences can be just as severe as theft from an individual, and employers have the right to press criminal charges. If you’re an employee facing theft allegations, consulting an Edmonton criminal defence lawyer is critical.

Myth #6: The Value of Stolen Property Determines the Severity of Charges

While the value of stolen property is important in some cases, it is not the only factor determining the severity of theft charges. Other factors include:

The method of stealing (e.g., breaking, using force)
Whether violence was involved
The defendant’s criminal history (repeat offenders may face harsher penalties)

For instance, grand theft applies to property worth more than $5,000, but theft charges can also be escalated based on the criminal method used or the violence involved.

Myth #7: Theft Charges Are Minor Offences and Won’t Affect Your Future

One of the most damaging myths is that theft charges are minor and won’t have long-term effects. A theft conviction can severely impact your future, including:

Employment opportunities: A criminal record can make it difficult to get hired, especially for roles that require trust or security clearances.
Travel: You may face difficulties travelling abroad or applying for visas.
Professional licenses: Certain industries may revoke your professional licenses if you are convicted of theft.

The consequences of a theft conviction can be life-changing, and it’s important to understand the long-term implications.

How to Defend Against Theft Charges in Edmonton

If you are facing theft charges, legal representation is crucial. An experienced criminal defence lawyer in Edmonton can provide the following defences:

Mistaken identity: Proving that the accused is not the person who committed the theft.
Lack of intent: Showing that the act was not intentional.
Unlawful search and seizure: Challenging evidence that was obtained without a valid warrant.

Conclusion

Understanding the truth behind common theft myths can greatly impact your defence strategy. If you’re facing theft charges in Edmonton, contact a criminal defence lawyer to ensure your rights are protected. Don’t let these myths cloud your judgment or affect your case; seek professional guidance today.

About Us

At Daryl Royer Criminal Defence Lawyer, we are committed to providing you with experienced legal representation in Edmonton. Our team has a strong track record of defending clients against theft charges, ensuring that each case is handled with care and precision. If you’re facing theft charges, contact us today to discuss your legal options and begin building a strong defence.