Noushin Mazooryi Fraud

Fraud Defence Lawyer

A fraud charge can affect nearly every part of your life — your career, your professional licensing, your ability to travel, and your standing in your community — often well before the case is resolved. Fraud allegations under the Criminal Code cover a wide range of conduct, from retail and employee fraud to complex financial and business matters, and the Crown must prove every element of the offence beyond a reasonable doubt. Mazrooyi Law Professional Corporation provides strategic, detail-driven defence for individuals facing fraud allegations throughout Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, and York Region.

Fraud cases are often built on extensive documentary evidence — financial records, contracts, correspondence, and transaction histories. A thorough, methodical review of that evidence is frequently where the strongest defences are found.

Types of Fraud Charges We Defend

  • Fraud over $5,000 — the more serious classification under the Criminal Code, prosecuted by indictment
  • Fraud under $5,000 — a less serious classification, which the Crown may still elect to proceed with by indictment or summary conviction
  • Employee and workplace fraud — including breach of trust and employee theft allegations
  • Credit card and identity fraud — including the use of another person’s identifying information or financial instruments
  • Mortgage and insurance fraud — allegations involving misrepresentations made to lenders or insurers
  • Business and investment fraud — more complex allegations often involving extensive financial documentation

What You May Be Facing

Penalties for fraud in Canada vary significantly based on the value involved, the complexity of the scheme, and any aggravating factors:

  • Fraud over $5,000 — carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment, and a mandatory minimum sentence of 2 years applies where the total value exceeds $1 million
  • Fraud under $5,000 — carries a maximum of 2 years imprisonment if prosecuted by indictment, or up to 6 months if the Crown proceeds summarily
  • Aggravating factors — such as the complexity and duration of the scheme, the number of victims, or an abuse of trust, can significantly increase the likely sentence
  • A criminal record — with lasting consequences for employment, professional licensing, and the ability to travel to the United States
  • Restitution orders — courts may order repayment to victims in addition to any criminal penalty


For many first-time offenders, particularly in lower-value retail or workplace fraud matters, alternative resolutions may be available. We give clients a realistic assessment of what outcomes are actually achievable given the specifics of their case.

How We Approach Fraud Defence

  • Thorough documentary review — fraud cases often turn on financial records, and a careful line-by-line review can reveal inconsistencies in the Crown’s case
  • Challenging intent — the Crown must prove deceit or fraudulent intent beyond a reasonable doubt, which is often the most contestable element of the charge
  • Assessing the value in dispute — the classification of the charge, and the penalties that follow, often depend heavily on how the alleged value is calculated
  • Exploring resolution options — including restitution-based resolutions, diversion, or reduced charges where appropriate
  • Negotiating with the Crown — pursuing the most favourable realistic outcome given the evidence and your circumstances

Why Choose Mazrooyi Law for Your Fraud Charge

  • Detail-driven defence — fraud cases demand careful attention to complex documentary evidence, which is central to our approach
  • Local court experience — regular appearances at the Ontario Court of Justice in Newmarket, serving clients throughout York Region
  • Discreet, client-focused representation — your matter is handled with confidentiality and care, recognizing the professional and reputational sensitivity these cases involve

Facing a Fraud Charge? Speak With a Lawyer First

Anything you say to police, an employer, or an investigator before speaking with a lawyer can be used against you. If you’ve been charged with fraud in Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, or anywhere in York Region, contact Mazrooyi Law before discussing your matter with anyone else.

Book a Free Consultation or call (416) 995-2320.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. Under the Criminal Code, the Crown only needs to prove that your actions created a risk of financial loss through deceit, falsehood, or other fraudulent means — an actual loss doesn’t always need to have occurred for a fraud conviction.

The distinction is based on the value of the property, money, or service involved. Fraud over $5,000 is treated as an indictable offence with a maximum penalty of 14 years, while fraud under $5,000 carries a lower maximum penalty and may be prosecuted either summarily or by indictment.

In some cases, particularly lower-value or workplace-related matters involving a first-time offender, alternative resolutions may be available. Every case depends on its specific facts, and a full review of your matter is needed to assess your realistic options.

As soon as possible. Fraud cases often involve extensive documentary evidence, and early involvement allows us to begin reviewing that evidence, advise you on what to say (and not say), and start building your defence before key deadlines pass.

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