I was caught shoplifting today for a total that amounted under $100. The store security caught me on camera and brought me into the office and called the police. Quite aggressively I might add; he grabbed me by my neck and dragged me in. I am 27 years old, just finishing university. I admitted to doing it and explained that I was financially desperate and needed a few toiletries and gifts that I could not afford (which is the truth). I made a dumb move and thought I would get away with it. So stupid. Ugh.

I had dumb items on me, such as a perfume that I stole as a gift for a friend and some face cream and hair gels. In total about 5 small items.

I have no previous criminal charges, however 2 years ago I got into a fight with my boyfriend and the police got involved and charges were laid. They were withdrawn and peace bond was issued.

What are the odds that I will qualify for diversion being that I have previous dealings with the police?

My main concern is a) to avoid jail time and b) to avoid a criminal record at all costs. A criminal record with destroy my career prospects and my life and is something that I would like to avoid at all costs.

Would I be better off getting a lawyer of my own, or using legal aid?

My first court date is in about a month, and I know at that time I will see what the crown attorney is charging me with, and see how they want to proceed, but I was wondering if there was anything I could do in the mean time to help the situation?

Any help or expertise would be greatl

Thanks

Get an attorney and arrange for the diversion program.

|Jail time without a doubt. You were caught on camera obviously- ALL stores have cameras.

Each repeat offense after this will incur a higher amount of jail time. Whether you steal from family, friends or a store- it is wrong. Highly wrong.

It is wrong to deprive another person of their private property, it is considered to be a breech of the laws and rules that have been established to protect our collective interests. For instance- you yourself probably wouldn't like it if someone stole from you- it would make you upset that someone could just steal your property- take something you had worked for or been given by a friend or loved one. So rules in the form of laws have been established to prevent you (and everyone else in a democracy) from being hurt in this manner.

These rules protect you by punishing those who don't follow them. So that others will learn that it is wrong to steal. Therefore the police have to treat your case seriously- if they don't they are sending the message that it is OK to steal. And it's NOT- Than everyone would steal from everyone... and no-one would have the ability to maintain and protect their personal belongiongs, property, etc. We would live in a lawless society devoid of morality if we didn't have established rules and established punishments for breaking these rules.

Sorry but it wasn't worth it. Stealing $100 dollars worth of crap has you now regarded as a total moron who doesn't value the structure of rules that have allowed you to have basic freedoms that citizens in other countries don't have.
Have fun shacked up in a windowless tiny cell pissing and voiding in front of the other low-lifes. Big sweaty toothless murderous "Bubba" the biker will just love stealing all your tasteless gruel aka (mush meals), your one blanket, your rank prison issue shoes! TV if they let you- and then you're watching what the older crimanals want to watch- no telephone- you'll be allowed out of your cell for meals only- you'll be lucky if you get outside to the cement courtyard for 20 minutes a week- no dating, no sports, no movies, no festivals, hobbies, shopping, or other loved activities. All because you stole. If you're lucky you'll only get three months- next time they'll slap you with 6-12 for continuing to be a lawless moron.