In May of 2008 I shoplifted an item priced at $10-15 from a store in Ontario. I was caught by the store's security and escorted to the back. In his office, my information was taken down (date of birth, legal name, address, etcetera). I was asked for ID, but only had my school identification card with me. When I was asked my date of birth I lied, saying I was a year older than I was (making me 18, not 17) to avoid getting my parents involved.

A police officer was called and she took an incident report, but I was not placed under arrest, just given a warning. I signed a paper stating that the store intended to prosecute me and the security guard informed me that a notice would be sent in the mail within a few weeks saying that I could pay a $500 restitution instead of being charged. I explained that my living situation was complicated; that my parents and I were not on good terms and that I probably wouldn't be welcome to live with much longer. The police officer seemed concerned and asked me if I did have somewhere to sleep, and I said that my boyfriend would take care of me. I asked the security guard if I should provide an alternate mailing address, in case I was unable to receive mail at my parent's house, and he told me not to worry about it.

Needless to say, I was kicked out from my parent's house before I ever received a notice or summons in the mail. Due to our relationship, my parents and I do not communicate so I never did receive a notice and thus never did anything about it. I recently learned that there could be a warrant out for my arrest, and with international travel plans looming in my future, I'd like to sort this out as quickly as possible.

Is there a warrant for my arrest? Has the time limit for persecution passed?
Ultimately, how do I fix this without opening up a can of worms?

Lack of a sense of responsibility got you into this pickle. It was your responsibility to provide an alternate address to receive this important mail at some future time. The security guard said 'dont worry about it'. That wasn't his call.

We can't tell you if there is a warrant out for your arrest. The time limit for persecution has not passed if you are thinking of a statute of limitations which wouldn't apply in this case.

I suggest you contact your local police division, tell them the circumstances and ask them how to rectify this situataion that you should have had a handle on.

Tick
Ontario

Hello T:

I do NOT believe that you can be arrested in Canada if you don't pay a bill.

excon