What is the maximum penalty for theft over $5,000?

The maximum penalty for theft over $5,000 is imprisonment for up to 10 years. This aligns with the provisions set out in the Criminal Code of Canada regarding theft and property crimes. Theft over this amount is considered a serious offense, and the law reflects this by instituting a substantial potential penalty.

The rationale behind this maximum sentence is to deter significant property crime and to signify the seriousness of infringing on someone else's property rights. A penalty of up to 10 years emphasizes the severity of such thefts and the impact they have on victims and society.

Other options, such as fines only or imprisonment for shorter durations like 5 years, do not adequately address the gravity of theft when large sums are involved, while life imprisonment is reserved for the most severe crimes, making it an inappropriate penalty for theft. Understanding the context of these penalties helps highlight the legal system's approach to property crimes.