So I'm 18 years old from ontario canada, went to sobeys and stole a cat food dish which cost about 5-6 dollars. I got caught and being charged for theft under $5000. This is the first time I got involved with the law or any crminal acts. And now I have to go to court. I don't have a lawyer because I can't afford one.
If I plead guilty what will happen to me?
How much will I be charged for this act?
Will I be on probation?
Will I have to do community hours instead of pay the fine, or do I do both?
How can avoid from getting a criminal record?

Any advice would be highly grateful.

I don't want my family to know because I want to handel this on my own, and if they found out I would be in so much trouble and may be kicked out of the house, cause they'll be to embarrassed to have me in their home

It this is your first offence you will most likely be offered diversion at your first court date which means you will have no criminal record. You may have to attend some classes or do some community service. If they do not offer this, then you should seek a lawyer. Duty counsel will be on duty to help you with free advice.

Thanks for your input emery
So before the court date, I have to do some finger print and photo thingy.
What do I havto wear?
How long will it take? On the sheet it says 9-6. and they circled pm. So is it 9pm till 6 am?

So I'm 18 years old from ontario canada, went to sobeys and stole a cat food dish which cost about 5-6 dollars. I got caught and being charged for theft under $5000. This is the first time I got involved with the law or any crminal acts. And now I have to go to court. I don't have a lawyer because I can't afford one.

How much would lawyers cost?

Should I go to court, on the date that was set?

I also have a set date for finger print/photo at police station, what should I do, what should I wear?

On the paper it says 9-6, and they circled pm. Does that mean I have to be their 9pm and stay there till 6 am?

If I plead guilty what will happen to me?

How much will I be charged for this act?

Will I be on probation?

Will I have to do community hours instead of pay the fine, or do I do both?

How can avoid from getting a criminal record?

What is the best thing for me to do?

Any advice would be highly grateful.

I don't want my family to know because I want to handel this on my own, and if they found out I would be in so much trouble and may be kicked out of the house, cause they'll be to embarrassed to have me in their home

There are a lot of posts on this site about first time shop lifters from Ontario Canada
Most end up saying the Queen had them take Diversions/Alternatives classes and then go before her again.
Some say they didn't have to pay any fines.
Your record should be sealed and if you don't get in any further trouble you can ask about getting your record expunged eventually.
Some of the previous posts are at the bottom of this page.

Thank you for your input, it helps

You can wear just normal casual clothes but I think they mean in the afternoon, I think they mean 9:00 am to 6:00 pm but you could call to make sure about the hours.

Posting twice, 90 minutes - give or take - apart does not give you any different answers and is confusing -

Does anyone know how long these usually take in court?

Whatever you wear make sure it looks nice.

It shouldn't take more than a couple to a few hours depending how many people they call ahead of you.

If you can't afford a lawyer as for legal aid its free and they can't deny you it

I am 18 yrs old from Washington, and I got cought stealing beer from ampm and got charged with mip, ressisting arrest and theft in the third degree.this is my 2nd time going to court what am I looking at?

You do better starting a new post than going off someone else's post

You do better starting a new post than going off of someone else's post



Oh, too funny -

Anyway, the 3rd degree charge is a misdemeanor. What were the other charges - ?