Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions asked regarding our theft and fraud criminal defence lawyer services. If you have further questions, simply call us to discuss your case.

What courthouses do you service?

Attorney Mark Zinck routinely represents those charged with shoplifting, theft from their workplace, and all other forms of theft and fraud at every courthouse in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) and throughout all of Ontario, Canada. This includes but is not limited to:

Toronto
10 Armoury Street, Toronto

Peel Region (Brampton and Mississauga)
7755 Hurontario Street, Brampton

York Region (Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Aurora, Newmarket)
50 Eagle Street West, Newmarket

Durham Region (Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa)
150 Bond Street East, Oshawa

Halton Region (Burlington, Oakville, Milton)
491 Steeles Ave East, Milton

Waterloo Region (Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge)
85 Frederick Street, Kitchener

Hamilton Region (Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Ancaster)
45 Main Street East, Hamilton

St. Catharines
59 Church Street, St Catharines

Barrie Region
75 Mulcaster St, Barrie

Dufferin Region (Orangeville, Caledon etc.)
10 Louisa Street, Orangeville

Ottawa
161 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON

Bradford West Gwillimbury
57 Holland Street East, Bradford

Niagara Falls
4635 Queen Street, Niagara Falls

Simcoe (Norfolk County)
50 Frederick Hobson VC Drive, Simcoe

London (Middlesex County)
80 Dundas St, London

Stratford
100 St. Patrick Street, Stratford

Woodstock
415 Hunter Street, Woodstock

Guelph
36 Wyndham Street South, Guelph

Windsor-Essex
200 Chatham St. E., Windsor ON

Thunder Bay
125 Brodie Street North, Thunder Bay ON

Sault Ste. Marie
426 Queen St. E. Sault Ste. Marie ON

Parry Sound
89 James St., Parry Sound, ON

+ All other Ontario, Canada courthouses.

As of 2022 we are able to handle every case remotely (via phone, Zoom, etc.). You do not need to travel to retain us and our clients generally do not need to attend court in person or even via the phone or Zoom. We are able to take cases throughout all of Ontario, Canada.

Shoplifting, theft under $5000, fraud under $5000, and possession of property obtained by crime cases are handled differently at each courthouse in Ontario. In order to anticipate and successfully resolve potential problems with your case, it is important that your lawyer have substantial case experience with theft and fraud related charges.

I have a previous warning, withdrawn charge, or criminal record, can my charges still be dropped?

Such factors will likely make it more difficult for us to negotiate the dropping of the charges, however it is definitely still possible. Factors that are relevant include such things as the length of time between now and your previous conviction(s), the nature of the previous charges, the facts of the current charge, and information regarding your background, character and current life circumstances.

For more information on second time shoplifting charges, click here.

Will a lawyer or paralegal handle my case?

You will be represented only by Mark Zinck who is a Practicing Lawyer certified by the Law Society of Ontario, not a paralegal.

Having a lawyer represent you ensures you are represented with the highest level of legal expertise. You also gain the benefits of the privacy protections guaranteed by attorney/client privilege. To see more about our lawyer, click here.

How can I verify that Mark Zinck is an actual lawyer?

All lawyers in Ontario are regulated by the Law Society of Ontario (LSO). The LSO publishes a directory for the public of the identities of every lawyer on their website. Mark Zinck's status as a lawyer can be verified by searching this directory which is found at: https://lso.ca.

What else does your fee include?

Our flat fee also includes:

1. Information on exactly how you can get your fingerprints and records destroyed;
2. How to repress the release of police records relating to your arrest on specific employment and background checks;
3. Ways to minimize problems travelling to the US related to the charge information and record of arrest being stored in CPIC and other police databases;
4. Information about potential immigration related issues: including work permits, PR, and citizenship applications;
5. How to avoid and handle future questions from potential employers and law enforcement officials regarding the incident;
6. Information on how to deal with legal demand letters you may receive (department store fines).

How long will this process take?

We are often able to have the matter resolved completely at the first court appearance. Sometimes, however, other factors delay the process such as the Crown not having received disclosure (evidence) from the police prior to the first court date. Also, if community service work or counselling is required (despite our best efforts to avoid it), you may have to return to court again at a subsequent date.

Our goal is to have the charges dropped and the matter resolved as quickly as possible. We represent you and protect your interests throughout the entire process.

What theft under charges are the most difficult to get dropped?

Generally speaking, cases that involve theft from an employer tend to be the most problematic. This being said, any case involving multiple charges, breaches of probation or criminal undertakings, resisting arrest, distasteful behaviour upon arrest, allegations of non-personal use of items, other aggravating circumstances, or where there is a previous criminal record can be more challenging.

Do I only have to pay after the case is resolved or do you require up front payment?

We normally require our fee to be paid as a retainer in trust prior to the matter being resolved.


Call us today for a free assessment
You don't have to jeopardize your future or waste thousands of dollars on excessive legal fees. We provide effective and affordable lawyer representation for those charged with all forms of theft and fraud related offences throughout Ontario, Canada.

Have a skilled criminal lawyer who focuses on theft and fraud related charges protect you and your future from the stigma and consequences of a criminal record.





Are you a lawyer? If you are defending a theft or fraud related case and are looking for expert advice regarding possible defences, case strategies, and information release management call us at: 647-228-5969.

Please note: We do not accept legal aid certificate cases. All clients are handled on a private retainer only.

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