Hi

I was at super store today and I as I had been very stressed out I accidentally put a bottle of shampoo and cream in my bag. There was a security guard (who was not dressed as security)following me who saw me do it. I paid for most of my stuff except those 2 items, when I was leaving he asked me for my receipt and then he asked me for the bottle of shampoo and cream.
Is it an offence to follow someone without informing them, are there rules regarding such things.

I gave him the items and tired to explain him what happened how I was so stressed and made the mistake of stealing. He ended up calling the cops on me and they asked me to sign on a paper which specified that I will receive a summon from the court.

This happened at the super store in Canada, Winnipeg.
He asked me if I wanted a leagal aid or anything and I refused.

Has this happened to anyone, if it has what was the fine and what was the procedure.

Well you made three mistakes that day,
1. you stole something,
2. you signed a confession without talking to an attorney first
3. you refused legal aid.

Don't ever talk to the police, sign any confession without talking to your legal aid.

You will have first a large civil penalty to pay the store. Then you will have a fine to the state and most likely probation, And this will always be on your record now.

The main difference is that with legal aid, your chances of a diversion program are a lot less without legal cousel.

The police never asked me if I wanted any legal aid. The security guy who was dressed in regular clothes just called the cops.

The cops forced me to sign it... and then said they will hand cuff me if I don't sign it...

I kept asking what are the procedures... there were three guys and I was alone...

They told me if I don't sign it.. they will handcuff me and take me downstairs to the store to shame me... and then they will take me to the jail for the night... and let the judge decide my plight...

They did not leave me with a choice to sign it... they would not even talk to me...
I was helpless...

First post said you were asked if your wanted legal aid??

Yes if you did not sign, they take you to the station and book you then, but the rest was a lie, and yes police can lie to you to get you to confess.

So at this point, you get an attorney to help you.

I am planning to get legal aid... should I tell him that they forced me to sign it... or they threatened me to handcuff me and throw me in the jail for the night...
Will that help... or is it of no use

Hello s:

I think you should tell him about the PLAIN CLOTHED cop. They CAN'T do that. Who do they think they are trying to stop you from stealing their stuff??

excon