Have been arrested for theft under 5000 ($13) in Ontario Canada, at an LCBO. Product found upon me while apprehended. I have no previous arrests or records. The suggestion in passing by the officer is to plead guilty as I would most likely receive alternative penalties as opposed to jail time and/or fines. I am not 100% sure this is true and am fairly ignorant of the system, and cannot afford a lawyer. From what I understand, 'guilty' could grant me some leniency but it also means a conviction and a criminal record, which would greatly affect the job change I was hoping to make in a year. On the other hand, even with a lawyers help, a dismissal is out of the question when one is caught 'red handed'... is this correct? Not sure what to do, court date is mid-August.