Hi,

I have been charged with Theft under $5000 ( stealing at work). This is my first offense and my lawyer is trying to have the charges withdrawn. My lawyer has advised me to take Shoplifters' program from a Society or community. According to him some places offer such counselling classes for the shoplifters so that it doesn't happen again.

Does anyone know of such institutes where I can take a few classes just to support my case. I live in Toronto, but will be willing to go anywhere in the GTA.

My next court date is March 4, and I need to do this before then.

Please help

Thanks

Your lawyer should be advising you to ask for a diversion. This is a common action available to first time offenders charged with Theft under 5000 and has been dealt with several times in this forum.

Basically, you agree to restitution and community service in lieu of being convicted of the crime. At the completion of the community service, the charges will be dropped so you will not have a conviction on your record.

Operation Springboard in Toronto offers Adult Diversion Programs; here is the information to contact them for information:

Operation Springboard (http://www.operationspringboard.on.ca/justice/diversion.html)