Hi, I stumbled onto this site a week ago and I have found it such a wonderful resource. I am 30 years old and I was caught shoplifting from Simons. I am not going to make any excuses for my actions, it was stupid and I should know better. I had 3 items worth about $600. The cops were called and I now that I am supposed to receive a letter from the Store for civil claims and another from the Court for a trial date. At the moment I am going nuts with worry, this is my first offence. I've been looking at some of the old postings but couldn't find any from Quebec. Is there anyone on this forum from Quebec that can share with me their experience good or bad? How can I proactively make sure that I can get into the diversion program? Should I wait until I get contacted before I do something? The cops told me that I may not be contacted till about 6 months; while the Simons security guard said I'll hear from them in about a month. Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom you may have.

I'm sure someone will give you an answer shortly. I don't live in Canada, but I find it a little hard to believe a beginner shoplifter would start stealing $600 merchandise. This might be the first time you got caught, but I think you know better and the court will suspect the same. For that reason you might not qualify for diversion. If you don't get diversion you are going to need a lawyer. I could be wrong.

One possibility is that you can request disclosure from the police to obtain all the information the police have pertaining to your offence. You can thereupon contact the crown prosecutor via phone, in person, or by letter and request that since it is your first offence of theft under $5,000 that you be dealt with through the diversion program. (a legal representative can do this for you, or you can do it yourself if you do not intend to seek the services of a lawyer or agent).

The store will have charges for you, to compensate them for their time and trouble, that can be 250 to 500 dollars from many stores, So you get their letter and pay them the money

You will get a date to photo and finger print first normally, I would recommend an attorney and get into a diversion program, but at worst probation normally

Hi, I am curious to know what was the outcome of your situation as my sister is in a similar situation. She too was caught shoplifting at a Simon's store. Did the store send you a fine? And if so how much? Have you managed to get in the diversion program?
Thank you for your help and good luck!

What was the out come of your sister?

Let us know the outcome of your situation please

Similar situation with my friend. Please advise. Thanks

Hi, I am curious to know what was the outcome of your situation as my sister is in a similar situation. She too was caught shoplifting at a Simon's store. Did the store send you a fine? And if so how much? Have you managed to get in the diversion program?
Thank you for your help and good luck!

Hi please please please tell me how did it go for you with this problem? Did you get letter from government? Did you pay the store's fine? Please let me know would be greatly appreciated, sick with worry... thanks

Hi please please please tell me how did it go for you with this problem?did you get letter from government (court)? Did you pay the store's fine? Please let me know would be greatly appreciated, sick with worry... thanks