Vehicle Theft Charges Busy Already Burdened Court System

By Author: Kevin Douglas
Total Articles: 14
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Such analysis has put pressure on some police forces to make arrests in theft-related incidents, increasing the number of theft-related cases moving through the country’s court systems.

Studies reveal that Canada has the fourth highest rate of vehicle theft in the world. Within Canada, a higher volume of cars is stolen in the western provinces and territories. Figures show that in 2010, 31,122 vehicles were stolen in Alberta. More than 8,550 were stolen in Edmonton and 7,545 in Calgary.

Such thefts are believed to cost Canadians hundreds of millions of dollars each year, usually claimed and collected through insurance firms. Theft and the investigation of it have been shown to tax the health care system as well as police and court resources.

Experts studying theft, draw a connection between theft and loss of human left. For example, between 2008 and 2010, research indicates that 90 people were killed as a result of a vehicle theft. Five police officers were among those who died. During the same time, more than 125 people were injured in theft-related incidents.

Such analysis has put pressure ...
... on some police forces to make arrests in theft-related incidents, increasing the number of theft-related cases moving through the country’s court systems. An increase in the volume of such cases has forced an already overburdened justice system and the lawyers within it to offer interpretations of parts of the Criminal Code, which many of them lack the requisite experience interpreting.

Those facing theft-related charges are in danger of being convicted and sentenced. They are encouraged to, at the very least; enlist the services of a Bail Lawyer to help them navigate a most critical juncture in the criminal trial process.

Similarly, those embroiled in a fraud-related incident would do well to meet with a Fraud Lawyer Toronto who is very familiar with the Criminal Code and who can help a client navigate the court system.

Researchers have drawn very few concrete conclusions about the causes behind high volume of theft in Canada. Experts believe that it is likely connected to an increase in organized crime. Some also attribute part of the problem to enforcement levels that are out of sync with the volume of incidents. Criminal Code provisions for vehicle theft and a lack of stringent sentencing precedents for convicted thieves are also thought to contribute to the problem.

Author Bio:
The author of this article is affiliated with Kostman & Pyzer Barristers Toronto Criminal Lawyers, a criminal defence law firm serving clients in the Greater Toronto area and elsewhere in the province of Ontario.