Yesterday I was arrested for theft under $5000 and impersonation with intent to gain advantage. I am 19 and in Canada (Manitoba), and this is my first offense. I was charged with impersonation because at first I had given the LP officer of the store a fake name/age under 18 in hopes that I would be banned and let go, as I do a lot of traveling to the states for work and for professional dance, and am going to school there for medicine in the next few years. I am also going overseas this summer to volunteer. I had developed a pretty elaborate story as to who my parents were, why I didn't have my wallet (I left in my car so I wouldn't be tempted to buy anything- obviously that didn't work out well for me) etc. Because I didn't have ID they called the police. I then told the police my real last name, but because the first name I had originally given was coincidentally my sister's (first name I thought of under 18), I am now being charged with impersonation.

I am sick to my stomach over this. I made a horrible, horrible decision and may end up ruining my entire future over this. I realize I complicated things and made them more serious with the impersonation charge, and I am wondering what a realistic conviction will be? I have a lawyer, and they said it is very likely I will get into a diversion program or have the charges (both) stayed as this is my first offence, but I would like to know if anyone has had a similar case.

Well when I was 19 I was charged with embeselment. I shoplifited from the place I worked at and they had me on camra. They came in and questioned me thourly and had me write a confession, I admitted to my crime and took what was coming to me. Now this was also my first offence, but I didn't lie. They got me for $250 stolen and then went to jail and was releasrd a half hour later with a ticket. Your case is more searious, and I didn't have things goen for me like you do. Get a GOOD lawyer and tell him all you go goen for you... its your firsf offence so they'll drop it down...

I also know anything stolen more than $4000 is a felony... idk if you'll do jail tim# on a first offence but if you d( it won't be long.I hope all goes well, lesson learned right?

The items totalled to $328, and they were all recovered. They also have video evidence.

Well when i was 19 i was charged with embeselment. I shoplifited from the place i worked at and they had me on camra. They came in and questioned me thourly and had me write a confession, i admitted to my crime and took what was comming to me. Now this was also my first offence, but i didnt lie. They got me for $250 stolen and then went to jail n was releasrd a half hour later with a ticket. Your case is more searious, and i didnt have things goen for me like you do. Get a GOOD lawyer and tell him all you go goen for you...its your firsf offence so theyll drop it down....

I also know anything stolen more than $4000 is a felony...idk if youll do jail tim# on a first offence but if you d( it wont be long.i hope all goes well, lesson learned right?


Just to clear things In Canada its anything more than $5000 is grand theft.

Most likely yes a diversion program. The impersonation charge will be the biggest issue, but since you did not lie to the police, I don't see this being a big issue.

Hi again Fr. Chuck,

The reason I am being charged with impersonation is because I gave them a real identity that was not my own (it was my sister's), so I did lie to them in hopes that they would release me for being under 18. I kept feeding them story after story, I was not thinking, things just kept flying out of my mouth. I honestly did not realize the repercussions it would have for my sister and for myself- I didn't even know that "personation with intent" was a criminal charge. I guess I just assumed that successful theft of identity (with regards to banking information, etc.), or personation of an officer/person in a position of trust/authority was a charge. I also didn't realize that had I gotten away with it, it WOULD go on her record, even though she is a minor. Thankfully nothing will happen to her or show up on her record as I did tell them the truth. Of course I apologized profusely to her, as it was definitely not my intention to throw her under the bus, and she forgave me without a second thought.

I have read the personation can be dealt with through diversion as well, but I am concerned because I was a) not co-operative, b) because there are 2 charges against me, and c) the dollar amount. Since the arrest I had started volunteering (the process in which I had started before I was arrested), and organized a benefit concert for the Children's Hunger Fund. Should I mention this in court? Or will they just look at me laugh?

Also, I am really concerned about actually being in court. I was sobbing at my fingerprint/mugshot, I just could not control myself. I feel so guilty and cannot help but hate myself for doing this. I am so afraid that I will start to cry in court, and I realize I have nothing to cry about- this was my poor decision- but I am worried that crying in court will reflect poorly on me and the judge will give me a harsher sentence.

I would have an attorney but I still think you will get the program from the way you explained it happened. Scared, used name of family member. And cry in court is not always bad, sorry but it sort of makes them feel you are really sorry for what you did. I have known attorneys who has tried to get their female clients to cry when they told their story.

Hi again Fr. Chuck,

Thank you so much for your opinion. I appreciate it. I do have a lawyer, and I'm glad you think that crying in court will work out in my favour because I really don't think I'll be able to hold it back.

One more question for you- I am a regular blood donor, I volunteer to sandbag every spring (I live in a city that floods). I'm not trying to sound like a hero in anyway, but because of my weight/stature, I have been advised by my doctor not to partake in either of these (I don't weight enough to donate and those bags weigh at least half my body weight), but I still do it because I know that a) It's not going to kill me, and b) I really truly want to help. I helped raise $70,000 and a wheelchair van for the children's hospital in my city last year, I performed in and helped organize a benefit concert for the Shiloam Mission last year, I am currently volunteering with the Shiloam Mission. I am also currently organizing a benefit concert for the Children's Hunger Fund. I have prepared a letter of apology and an essay on theft and the true consequences of it that I am prepared to send to the store/bring to court, respectively. I am wondering, if I do more volunteer work, donate to a charity, and bring the letter/essay with me on my court date WITHOUT court order, will this help me with my case or make the judge look at me and say "lol you can't fool me, nice try have fun in prison"?

None of the things like this makes a difference as to guilt or innocence. Some may help with the sentence but not more than you already were doing, it shows a type of person you are.

It is possible they may give you community service to do, but hard to say.

xsosorry, did they take a mugshot of you? I am in the same situation right now, but just the theft under $5000. I am from alberta. The officer who gave me my copy for notice of appearance said fingerprint taken and even my lawyer said just the fingerprint. Wonder if it's different in every province. Thanks!