Hey there,

I am extremely embarrassed about this, but I'm not really sure where to turn for answers. Today I was caught shoplifting an item under $10 at a Zellers in Ontario. I am banned from the stores and whatnot, which I understand and accept, but I'm not sure what happens or what I can do to prevent the legal implications. I have heard of a diversion program, does anyone know what that is about, or how I go about making it happen? This is my first offense, I have never done anything like it before, and I cooperated completely with the security guards. Will I go to court? Will I pay a ridiculous fine? Will it be on my criminal record? Will I be able to travel freely? Any info would be greatly appreciated, I'm really afraid of the results of this stupid choice. Thanks!

Have they contacted you saying your going to go to court for this? Or just sent you off with a ban and that's it, I feel like they would have told you if they planned to press charges... I wouldn't worry until you receive a phone call or mail from them! It may just be that, a ban and they didn't bother to even report it officially (unless they said so to you). It wouldn't show up on your criminal record without someone phoning and reporting it in, security guards are not cops (they are civilians with training) and they are hired by the stores they guard so if Zellers decided not to I don't think the guard would go out of his way to report your theft.
You were compliant with the guards and accepted the punishment and it may have just gone as far as that, I wouldn't worry about it unless they have contacted you in any way saying your to be charged. About the diversion program... I did a quick search and found this, never heard of it myself but seems interesting! Have a look and hope it helps http://www.yourbestdefence.com/shoplifting.htm
Good luck and relax! I hope I'm not treating this too lightheartedly for you but again I wouldn't worry until something on paper shows up to your house saying your being charged!
Hopefully the police will spend more time catching the rapists and not charging after the person who stole from a Zellers!

You will most likely get a letter in the mail with a date to go down and get your photo and fingerprint done and get a court date At the court date your attorney can request a diversion program

If you get charged and you have no criminal record the crown will likely agree to the diversion program. You'll have to admit responsibility and perhaps write a letter, but you will avoid a criminal record this way. They website explains everything you need to know: http://www.accused.ca/shoplifting.htm