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Charges · Possession of stolen property · Alberta

What happens after a possession of stolen property charge in Alberta?

What it means, what usually happens next, and what to bring to the first call.

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By Ali Sheikh, Remandly (founder, not a lawyer) · Published under a standard reviewed by an Ontario-licensed criminal lawyer, called to the bar in 2017. Alberta procedure can differ.

Last reviewed September 22, 2026 · Updated October 15, 2026

In short

  • What the person knew is usually the whole case: the Crown has to prove knowledge, not just possession.
  • In Alberta, the case is heard in the Alberta Court of Justice, and restorative justice is one voluntary route after a charge.

What usually happens next

  1. Step 1

    Arrest and the station You have the right to talk to a lawyer in private. You do not have to answer police questions.

  2. Step 2

    Police decide Police can release you with conditions and a court date, or hold you for a bail hearing.

What should you bring to the first call?

How it works in Alberta

Which court hears it in Alberta

Alberta possession-of-stolen-property charges are heard in the Alberta Court of Justice. Calgary non-custody matters run through the criminal office in Suite 402-S of the Calgary Courts Centre.

Bail in Alberta

If someone is held in Alberta on this charge, the first-appearance bail hearing is by video before a justice of the peace; a Crown prosecutor speaks for the Crown at every such hearing.

Programs and diversion in Alberta

Alberta restorative justice, a voluntary process that holds offenders responsible for the harm, accepts post-charge referrals from the Alberta courts. Alberta Crown prosecutors also work on alternative approaches to the administration of justice.

The local process in Alberta

At Alberta courthouses, sheriffs screen everyone at the entrance and the courtroom list is posted outside. Legal Aid Alberta duty counsel is free regardless of income.

What do people ask about possession of stolen property charges?

Do I have to talk to the police?

No - a person does not have to answer police questions, and anyone arrested or detained has the right to speak to a lawyer, and police must tell them that.

What is the maximum penalty for possessing stolen property?

Under s. 355 of the Criminal Code: over $5,000, up to ten years by indictment; $5,000 or less, up to two years by indictment, or summary.

Sources

Alberta sources

Federal law sources

Free 24/7 criminal law information · not legal advice. Legal Aid Alberta: 1-866-845-3425

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