Okay here goes:

My wife was caught in possession of approximately $300 worth of stuff and she was charged with theft under $5000.00

She has received an Appearnce Notice issued by a Peace Officer and was given a court date and a fingerprint date. This is in the city of Toronto, ON, Canada.

My wife has no criminal record and the stuff was returned. What are her options prior to or on the court date?

What are her options prior to or on the court date?
Hello ray:

Her ONLY option at this point, is to hire competent legal counsel.

excon

Hello ray:

Her ONLY option at this point, is to hire competent legal counsel.

excon


Thanks for the advice!

I have contacted several lawyers and the cost is $2000 (so I guess freedom does have a price).

Several people (including the police officer) have advised her that she could speak to a "duty counsel" (which I think is a lawyer) who can speak to the Crown on her behalf. The Crown and your wife will come to an agreement whereby she does some community service, takes a shoplifting course and makes a donation perhaps. Once this is done the Crown will withdraw the charges.

The lawyer we spoke to has also said that once he is hired she does not need to appear in court on the date of appearance and he would act on her behalf.

I got caught stealing $70 of groceries from a grocery store. When I went to my first court appearance, I was refused diversion. I hired a criminal lawyer and they are in the process of convincing the Crown to change their mind and offer me diversion. Keep me updated and I will to. Thanks.

Thanks for the advice!

I have contacted several lawyers and the cost is $2000 (so I guess freedom does have a price).

Several people (including the police officer) have advised her that she could speak to a "duty counsel" (which I think is a lawyer) who can speak to the Crown on her behalf. The Crown and your wife will come to an agreement whereby she does some community service, takes a shoplifting course and makes a donation perhaps. Once this is done the Crown will withdraw the charges.

The lawyer we spoke to has also said that once he is hired she does not need to appear in court on the date of appearance and he would act on her behalf.

Hi, just curious of the outcome ( of there is one yet ) for your wife, I find myself in the same situation :(

To user name freesoul: u got refused on diversion program?
Was it your first time getting charged? Because I got charged for theft under 5000 (first charge as an adult but I have a history of same issue back in 2004 when I was a minor)and my court date is coming up soon and
I'm scared of what would happen to me.
Reply thanks

I just stole about 200 from the bay, so thefet under 5g

They said ill get a noticed in the mail with my fine, will I know have a crimanl recorded

What's going to happen

I work at the airport will I be denayed access to the airport come renewal time for my pass.. someone please help

Answered on your other thread - please post once.