Robbery Lawyer Toronto
Experienced Robbery Defence Lawyers at Daniel Brown Law
At Daniel Brown Law, our team of criminal defence lawyers focuses exclusively on criminal law. Daniel Brown, a certified specialist in criminal law, has defended numerous robbery allegations before both judges and juries across Ontario. Our firm is consistently recognized among the Top 10 Criminal Law Boutiques in Canada, and media outlets regularly seek Daniel’s insight on serious criminal cases.
If you are charged with robbery or armed robbery including Toronto, Brampton, Oshawa, Newmarket, Milton, or elsewhere in Ontario, we can provide the immediate and strategic defence required to protect your freedom and future. Call us at (416) 297-7200 for a confidential consultation.
Understanding Robbery Charges in Toronto, Ontario
What Is Robbery?
Section 343 of the Criminal Code of Canada defines robbery as an offence that combines elements of theft and violence. A robbery occurs when a person:
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Steals from another while using violence or threats of violence toward them or their property;
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Assaults someone with intent to steal; or
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Steals from a person while armed with a real or imitation weapon.
Unlike ordinary theft, robbery always involves violence, threats, or weapons. For more about theft, visit our page on Toronto theft lawyer services.
What Level of Violence Is Required?
Courts recognize a broad range of actions as “violence” for robbery. For example:
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Striking, wounding, or beating the victim during a theft;
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Holding a person’s arms to prevent resistance;
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Using personal force immediately before or after a theft.
The violence need not cause physical harm, but it must be substantial. On the other hand, a minor technical assault, such as nudging or bumping, may not meet the definition.
A person may also be guilty of robbery if they steal while armed with an offensive weapon or imitation weapon. The weapon does not need to be used or even brandished—mere possession during the theft is sufficient.
What Counts as a Threat of Violence?
Whether words or actions amount to a “threat of violence” depends on the circumstances. Courts consider:
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The words spoken and how they were delivered;
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The accused’s appearance and demeanor;
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The time, place, and manner of the entry into premises.
Even implied threats can elevate a theft to robbery.
Can I Be Convicted of a Lesser Offence Instead?
Yes. Because robbery requires proof of both a theft and an assault (or threat), a court may convict you of theft alone or assault alone if the Crown fails to prove one of the elements. Learn more about these offences on our pages for assault defence and theft defence.
Penalties for Robbery and Armed Robbery
Maximum and Minimum Sentences
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Robbery (general): Maximum punishment is life imprisonment.
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Robbery with a firearm: Minimum sentence of four years in a penitentiary.
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Robbery with an imitation firearm: Minimum sentence of one year in jail.
Robbery and Organized Crime
If the robbery involves a restricted or prohibited firearm and is connected to a criminal organization, penalties increase:
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First offence: Minimum of five years in jail.
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Second or subsequent offence: Minimum of seven years in jail.
Consequences of a Robbery Conviction
A robbery conviction goes far beyond jail time. Collateral consequences can include:
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Job loss and disqualification from certain professions
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Immigration problems, including possible deportation for non-citizens
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Denial of entry into the United States and other countries
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Lasting stigma of a criminal record stored in the national CPIC database
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Media coverage of the conviction, damaging personal reputation
For more on collateral impacts, see our page on criminal records in Canada.
Additional Related Topics
Common Defences to Robbery
Defending a robbery charge requires a careful review of the evidence. Possible strategies include:
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Identity defence: Challenging whether the accused was the perpetrator.
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No intent: Showing the accused did not intend to use violence or threats.
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Lack of evidence: Exposing weaknesses in witness testimony or surveillance footage.
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Charter rights breaches: Excluding evidence obtained through unlawful searches or detentions.
Robbery vs. Theft
Understanding the difference is critical. Theft involves taking property without consent, while robbery elevates theft by involving violence, threats, or weapons.
Youth Charged with Robbery
Young persons face robbery charges under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA). While youth sentences may be shorter, the stigma and collateral consequences remain significant.
Bail and Robbery Charges
Because robbery is considered a violent offence, obtaining bail can be challenging. Our lawyers regularly argue bail hearings for robbery charges in Toronto courts. Learn more on our page about Toronto bail hearings.
Contact Daniel Brown Law
Robbery charges are among the most serious offences in Canadian criminal law. A conviction can lead to life-altering consequences, including imprisonment and permanent damage to your future.
At Daniel Brown Law, we combine proven courtroom advocacy with strategic legal advice to deliver strong defences against robbery charges. Call us today at (416) 297-7200 to arrange a confidential consultation with an experienced Toronto robbery lawyer.