I need advice! My question is a bit different, I was accused of stealing today at a grocery store, I live in canada. I did not inteend to steal the item it was forgotten in my bag. I use this bag (material) all the time for shopping me and my husband were in a rush to get home, the self check out was giving us trouble so we left all our other items the only one that would ring threw we paid for and left. Then a man grabbed me and accused me of stealing, then I realized I forgot to pay for the item. But he called the cops and took us in, we have no crminal record! And then he asked the police to search my bag in case I had other items and she took my bag and I did have things in the big bag that I bought 3 days prior from another store! But I do not have the recipt! They took things I own and paid fro and said it was from their store! I have a court date! Can't find a civil lawyer, will the judge listen to what I have to say? Will I be convicted?

The judge will listen but from what you tell us you will likley be found guilty. One item or 5 isn't going to make nuch difference so don't worry about the other items but I'd keep looking for a lawyer. Does your court system assign a public defender in your situation, have you asked for one?

They will listen to your evidence, but without a receipt ( or even with one) they will most likely not believe that you went shopping, forgot to take things out, then took the bag ( heavy with items in it) back into another store.

To be honest even as open minded as I am, I am having trouble beliving this would happen. So a judge who is expecting you to be a criminal most likely will not.