Ok I live in toronto and me and my friend just a made a mistake by doing shoplifting or aka "theft under $5000" at the local zellers. I'm 16 years old and this if my first ofence. I have a court date on feb.28 with my friend too and I have yet to hire a lawyer. I'm so young I dunt want my life ruined so what should I do what should I expect . Please any help is appreciated

Since this is your first offense, you may be only required to make restitution, pay a fine, and maybe some community service hours. Since you are a juvenile, those records are likely to be sealed when this is done. There are times where, after a year without any further incidents, the record is expunged.

But only your attorney can consul you best. You and your friend need to acquire representation, for your own security and guarding of your rights.

Canadian and under 18. You are going to be OK.

You will get a slap on the wrist, maybe a fine, maybe some community service.

I can't so 100% you won't get jail. But I would say 99.98% chance you will not get jail time.

Talk to your parents about this and get a lawyer.

What's the worst sentence that could be given to me and the maximum fine given to me also how much can zellers charge me not in court

What's the worst sentence that could be given to me and the maximum fine given to me also how much can zellers charge me not in court


Maximum prison sentence is 2 years.

However, it is very unlikely that you will get any prison time.


334. Except where otherwise provided by law, every one who commits theft
(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years, where the property stolen is a testamentary instrument or the value of what is stolen exceeds five thousand dollars; or
(b) is guilty
(I) of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or
(ii) of an offence punishable on summary conviction,
where the value of what is stolen does not exceed five thousand dollars.
R.S. 1985, c. C-46, s. 334; R.S. 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 43; 1994, c. 44, s. 20.Criminal Code of Canada - Theft Sections (http://www.lawyers.ca/statutes/criminal_code_of_canada_theft.htm)

Canadian and under 18. You are going to be ok.

You will get a slap on the wrist, maybe a fine, maybe some community service.

I can’t so 100% you won’t get jail. But I would say 99.98% chance you will not get jail time.

Talk to your parents about this and get a lawyer.
How much sentences can I get or they can give as much things they can

Did you read my post, Post #5?

The maximum is 2 years in jail.

Perhaps I am misunderstanding what you are asking?

Haha, me and my friend, we are 14, just got the same charge in zellers in tillsonburg ontario
Lol we are going to court soon, and ill tell you what happens after unless you already had your court date? :S

Since this is your first offence your can get you into the diversion program. Diversion is an alternative without be sentenced or found guilty. There are conditions however upon completion the charges will be stayed or withdrawn.

Bring this to your lawyers attention



The OP asked this in November 2007 - the case is probably over with now.

I was arrested in Arkansas for theft and my bond was set at 2,280 and this is my first offense and I don't no what to do. Will I get any jail time.

Possibly, yes. It depends on a lot of factors - previous record (not arrests), type and category of theft, how good your Attorney is, your age.

Hi I am 20 and I was arrested in sears stealling an item under 5000 actually it was 89 dollars, I know it is stupid and I am kind of scared if its going to be in my records later on when I want to get a job.

Yes, it will unless you are eligible for diversion.