1. Will a Fraud Under $5,000 charge show up on a background check in Ontario?

Yes. Even if you are not convicted, the charge may still appear on certain types of background checks — especially for employment, licensing, or immigration. Resolving it early through diversion or discharge can help minimize long-term impact.

2. Can I travel with a Fraud Under $5,000 charge or conviction?

A conviction for fraud may affect your ability to enter countries like the U.S., especially if it's classified as a crime of dishonesty. It’s best to resolve the charge as quickly as possible and consult an immigration lawyer if you plan to travel.

3. What’s the difference between civil fraud and criminal fraud?

Criminal fraud is prosecuted by the Crown and can lead to jail time, while civil fraud is typically handled in civil court and involves financial compensation. Even small criminal fraud cases can carry serious consequences.

4. Do I have to pay restitution if I’m charged with fraud?

In many cases, restitution (paying back the amount in question) can be a condition of a resolution agreement, diversion, or discharge. It may even help resolve the case without a conviction. Your legal rep can negotiate this.

5. Can I be charged if I didn’t benefit financially from the fraud?

Yes. You don’t need to personally profit to be charged. Simply causing someone else to suffer a loss or attempting to deceive for potential gain may be enough to meet the legal threshold.

6. How long does a Fraud Under $5,000 case usually take to resolve in Ontario?

Timelines vary by courthouse and complexity. Straightforward cases may resolve in 2–4 months with early resolution. More complex or trial-bound cases can take 6 months or longer. Acting early gives you the most options.

7. Can a minor fraud charge affect my ability to work in finance, healthcare, or government?

Yes. Even a minor conviction can lead to disqualification from regulated professions, loss of bonding or licensing, or employment suspension — especially in roles of trust.

8. What if I didn’t know my actions were considered fraud?

Fraud charges don’t always require intent to steal — just intent to deceive or misrepresent. If you acted under a misunderstanding or lacked criminal intent, that may be a viable defence.

9. What’s the maximum penalty for Fraud Under $5,000 in Ontario?

Under the Criminal Code, the maximum penalty is 2 years in jail if prosecuted by indictment. If handled summarily (which is more common), penalties may include fines, probation, restitution, or up to 6 months of jail time.

10. Do I need a lawyer, or can a paralegal represent me?

For summary conviction offences like Fraud Under $5,000, licensed paralegals in Ontario are fully authorized to represent you — often at lower cost than lawyers, with experience focused on these exact types of charges.

Fraud Defence in Ontario | Free Legal Review

Under the Criminal Code of Canada, you can be charged with Fraud Under $5,000 even if no one was physically harmed — and even if it was a one-time lapse in judgment.

You may be charged for:

Using false information to obtain money or goods
Misusing someone’s banking, credit, or identity details
Altering receipts, invoices, or documents for personal gain
Returning items you didn’t buy or misrepresenting yourself to gain a benefit

Even minor fraud allegations — especially in financial, employment, or retail settings — can lead to serious legal consequences.

These situations often arise from desperation, misjudgment, or misunderstanding. But the Crown may still proceed with charges, even if the affected party isn’t seeking punishment.

Intent isn’t always the focus — the impact and evidence are what matter in court.

You Still Have Options — Don’t Face This Alone

If this is your first offence, and the charge arose from:

A financial mistake or lapse in judgment
Misunderstanding involving employment, credit, or personal transactions
False or exaggerated allegations during a dispute

You may be eligible for legal outcomes that can help you avoid a criminal record, such as:

Diversion programs
Restitution agreements
Conditional discharges or charge withdrawal

We act quickly to protect your reputation, minimize consequences, and guide you through the legal process with discretion and clarity.

First-time charge? You may qualify for diversion. Find out in 10 minutes.

At Cordaie, we’ve supported clients throughout Ontario facing Fraud Under $5,000 charges with a strategic, compassionate, and results-driven approach:

✔ Extensive Experience with Fraud Under $5,000 Cases
✔ Law Society-Licensed Ontario Paralegals
✔ Transparent Flat Fees — No Hidden Costs
✔ Full Representation in Ontario Courts
✔ Discreet, Judgment-Free, and 100% Confidential Support

When your future is on the line, we don’t just offer guidance — we stand with you and fight to protect your rights.

We carefully assess every angle of your case to build the strongest possible defence. Depending on the circumstances, we may explore:

No intent to deceive or commit fraud
Misunderstanding or mistake in financial transactions
Lack of reliable evidence or issues with documentation
Charter rights violations (e.g., unlawful search, improper questioning, delay in disclosure)
First-time offender resolutions, such as diversion programs or conditional discharges

Every case is different — and your defence should be too.

We offer flat-rate pricing for Fraud Under $5,000 charges — so you’ll always know exactly what to expect.

✔ No hourly billing.
✔ No hidden fees.
✔ No surprises.

Early Resolution or Guilty Plea:

Just $1,995 + HST — covers everything from start to finish if your case is resolved without trial.

If Your Case Goes to Trial:

Total fee is $4,995 + HST — includes full trial preparation, strategy, and courtroom representation.

Easy, Flexible Payment Options:

Start with a small retainer deposit, then pay the rest at your own pace — as long as your balance is paid 14 days before your trial or resolution date.

Get the experienced legal defence you need — at a price you can afford. Ask about payment plans during your free consultation.

Legal help you can afford — book now and start for just a small deposit.

1. Will a Fraud Under $5,000 charge show up on a background check in Ontario?
Yes. Even if you are not convicted, the charge may still appear on certain types of background checks — especially for employment, licensing, or immigration.

Resolving it early through diversion or discharge can help minimize long-term impact.
2. Can I travel with a Fraud Under $5,000 charge or conviction?
A conviction for fraud may affect your ability to enter countries like the U.S., especially if it's classified as a crime of dishonesty.

It’s best to resolve the charge as quickly as possible and consult an immigration lawyer if you plan to travel.
3. What’s the difference between civil fraud and criminal fraud?
Criminal fraud is prosecuted by the Crown and can lead to jail time, while civil fraud is typically handled in civil court and involves financial compensation.

Even small criminal fraud cases can carry serious consequences.
4. Do I have to pay restitution if I’m charged with fraud?
In many cases, restitution (paying back the amount in question) can be a condition of a resolution agreement, diversion, or discharge.

It may even help resolve the case without a conviction. Your legal rep can negotiate this.
5. Can I be charged if I didn’t benefit financially from the fraud?
Yes. You don’t need to personally profit to be charged.

Simply causing someone else to suffer a loss or attempting to deceive for potential gain may be enough to meet the legal threshold.
6. How long does a Fraud Under $5,000 case usually take to resolve in Ontario?
Timelines vary by courthouse and complexity. Straightforward cases may resolve in 2–4 months with early resolution.

More complex or trial-bound cases can take 6 months or longer. Acting early gives you the most options.
7. Can a minor fraud charge affect my ability to work in finance, healthcare, or government?
Yes. Even a minor conviction can lead to disqualification from regulated professions, loss of bonding or licensing, or employment suspension — especially in roles of trust.
8. What if I didn’t know my actions were considered fraud?
Fraud charges don’t always require intent to steal — just intent to deceive or misrepresent.

If you acted under a misunderstanding or lacked criminal intent, that may be a viable defence.
9. What’s the maximum penalty for Fraud Under $5,000 in Ontario?
Under the Criminal Code, the maximum penalty is 2 years in jail if prosecuted by indictment.

If handled summarily (which is more common), penalties may include fines, probation, restitution, or up to 6 months of jail time.
10. Do I need a lawyer, or can a paralegal represent me?
For summary conviction offences like Fraud Under $5,000, licensed paralegals in Ontario are fully authorized to represent you — often at lower cost than lawyers, with experience focused on these exact types of charges.

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Charged with Fraud in Ontario?

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The Real-World Impact of a Fraud Conviction in Ontario

First-Time Fraud Charge in Ontario? We Help You Avoid a Criminal Record.

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How We Defend Fraud Under $5,000 Charges in Ontario

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Affordable Legal Fees for Fraud Charges in Ontario – No Surprises.

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Early Resolution or Guilty Plea:

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Don’t wait — the police and Crown are already building their case. Start building yours.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fraud Charges in Ontario