Theft charges are considered a “property offence” and are either classified as Theft Under $5000 (an offence punishable by a term of imprisonment up to two years, or in less serious cases, punishable on summary conviction) or Theft Over $5000, depending on the value of the property alleged to have been stolen. These charges are often laid alongside fraud charges. Every one who is found guilty of Theft Over $5000 is guilty of an indictable offense that is punishable by a term of imprisonment up to ten years. A criminal conviction on theft charges may affect your career, your family, your freedom and your ability to travel into the United States. It is critical that you find and retain an experienced theft lawyer you can trust as soon as possible.