I would like to ask for some legal advice re. arrest for theft under $5000. I have read many of the posts relating to this topic, so I have an idea of what I should do, but I would like to describe my specific circumstances and see if there's any additional stuff I should be doing. (Sorry if this is considered a long post!)

On October 21, I was arrested for shoplifting batteries (value: $30) at a supermarket. It was a completely impulsive and stupid act on my part. I went into the store for the sole purpose of purchasing 2 bags of Tostitos. I stood in line, ready to pay, but the line was long, and then I glanced to my right, and there was the battery section. I wandered over to browse, then took 3 packs, impulsively walked down another aisle and put them in my bag. I returned to the line, paid for the chips, and as I exited the store, the loss prevention officer came up behind me and told me I was arrested.

I went inside with her to the office, gave her the batteries, and when she found out the value of the stolen items was over $20, she called the police. (I was crying uncontrollably, begged her not to, etc. but nothing would stop her.) There is store surveillance video of me stealing the batteries. Two police officers arrived and officially arrested me, and had me sit in the back of their car while they filled out the paperwork, gave me my court date, and then let me leave.

I am supposed to get fingerprinted & photographed this Wed, Nov. 22, and my court date is Dec. 19, but the police told me I could reschedule these dates if necessary. Question: Is this true, or is it only for extreme cases (i.e. serious illness; death of a family member)?
I have an appointment to consult a lawyer at the YWCA on Nov. 29, so I would like to delay the fingerprinting until after this date. Tomorrow morning, I will call the number the police provided and see if I can reschedule… I’ll keep you updated on this.

I’ve read a few posts discussing the Alternate Measures Program. Questions: Is this available in Quebec? How do you get into it (i.e. is there a referral process, or do you just sign yourself up)?

Additional info:
I do not have a criminal record (and I definitely want to keep it that way). I am 28, and a graduate student in Quebec. I have a history of depression (first episode: 2001), and have been seeing a psychiatrist for a relapse since May 2006, and I'm taking anti-depressant meds. I've told my psychiatrist about this legal issue, and he is aware of how distraught I have been since being arrested.

Questions: Any advice on how to proceed until I meet with the lawyer?
Besides presenting all the above info to the lawyer, is there anything else I need to tell her?
If I end up going to court, does that automatically mean I will have a criminal record, regardless of whether I'm found guilty or not?

Again, sorry for the long post, but thank you in advance for any advice you can offer.

I would like to ask for some legal advice re. arrest for theft under $5000. I have read many of the posts relating to this topic, so I have an idea of what I should do, but I would like to describe my specific circumstances and see if there's any additional stuff I should be doing. (Sorry if this is considered a long post!)

On October 21, I was arrested for shoplifting batteries (value: $30) at a supermarket. It was a completely impulsive and stupid act on my part. I went into the store for the sole purpose of purchasing 2 bags of Tostitos. I stood in line, ready to pay, but the line was long, and then I glanced to my right, and there was the battery section. I wandered over to browse, then took 3 packs, impulsively walked down another aisle and put them in my bag. I returned to the line, paid for the chips, and as I exited the store, the loss prevention officer came up behind me and told me I was arrested.

I went inside with her to the office, gave her the batteries, and when she found out the value of the stolen items was over $20, she called the police. (I was crying uncontrollably, begged her not to, etc., but nothing would stop her.) There is store surveillance video of me stealing the batteries. Two police officers arrived and officially arrested me, and had me sit in the back of their car while they filled out the paperwork, gave me my court date, and then let me leave.

I am supposed to get fingerprinted & photographed this Wed, Nov. 22, and my court date is Dec. 19, but the police told me I could reschedule these dates if necessary. Question: Is this true, or is it only for extreme cases (i.e., serious illness; death of a family member)?
I have an appointment to consult a lawyer at the YWCA on Nov. 29, so I would like to delay the fingerprinting until after this date. Tomorrow morning, I will call the number the police provided and see if I can reschedule… I’ll keep you updated on this.

I’ve read a few posts discussing the Alternate Measures Program. Questions: Is this available in Quebec? How do you get into it (i.e., is there a referral process, or do you just sign yourself up)?

Additional info:
I do not have a criminal record (and I definitely want to keep it that way). I am 28, and a graduate student in Quebec. I have a history of depression (first episode: 2001), and have been seeing a psychiatrist for a relapse since May 2006, and I'm taking anti-depressant meds. I've told my psychiatrist about this legal issue, and he is aware of how distraught I have been since being arrested.

Questions: Any advice on how to proceed until I meet with the lawyer?
Besides presenting all the above info to the lawyer, is there anything else I need to tell her?
If I end up going to court, does that automatically mean I will have a criminal record, regardless of whether I'm found guilty or not?

Again, sorry for the long post, but thank you in advance for any advice you can offer.
Hello dear

I understand you, I am also a recent graduate student without a job. My case was even better than yours. I can not help you since I am also a new member in this list. My concerns are the same as yours, I also do not want to have any criminal records, even for the high level of security clearance, although I did not asked for appear in the court, just payment funds and tress pass of the mall for a year. Lets stay in touch and find out how we can clean up the mess from our records if there is any, and I believe it must show somewhere even if we just arrested by police.

Will let you know if I find any helpful advise

Yours
Natalija