Hello everybody!

Last Sunday I stole a pair of jeans($108) from a store in montreal, I got caught in the parking lot by undercover security guys, I didn't deny or resist to anything...

We went to a small office where the asked me for ids, the filled a report wich I never saw and they made me sign a notice of civil suit saying that they are going to charge me for the item stole, security people fees etc.. I signed it, I didn't mind at the moment..

Then the police arrived, they checked my records, I had nothing, they saw my business cards,(I own a small company) and they gave me a date to go to court...

The officer told me that I can get a fine, or a lower can negotiate some kind of probation, community work, or a donation... is that true?? If its like that, that will keep my criminal records clean??

Should I go to court with a lawyer or I can go by myself??
The guys from the store didn't let me use my cell to call anybody, is that legal?

Thanks in advance!

Marco.

You should know you have the right to remain silent.

Had they not allowed you to use your own cell phone, you should have tried to leave.

Perhaps you can claim your signing that paper was under duress.

Your best bet to beat this is to get a lawyer. A lawyer can you advise you on the best action here.