Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    3005390's Avatar
    3005390 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    May 24, 2013, 02:36 PM
    Theft Over $5000 HELP
    Hi,
    This is how the story begins...
    I recently have commit Theft of Over $5000 from my employer.
    I was held under arrest because they have video evidence. Then I was told that if I continue to cooperate that they will let me go home. So within a few hours I was able to go home. I also returned all the stolen items and now I have to appear for two dates.

    I am 19 living in Ontario.

    What will happen in court? Where can I get help?
    Please help :(!
    JudyKayTee's Avatar
    JudyKayTee Posts: 46,503, Reputation: 4600
    Uber Member
     
    #2

    May 24, 2013, 02:45 PM
    I don't think this is the beginning of the story. The beginning would be why you stole, particularly that amount which is large by the terns of the law.

    People who steal from employers are often used to make an example to any and all other employees.

    I'd get a very good Attorney. No matter what happens this could follow you for the rest of your life. You will have difficulty finding worthwhile employment.

    It could be a fine, jail term, probation, some or all of each. Theft from an employer in a large amount is not ignored. I very much doubt that you qualify for diversion due to the amount you stole:

    "Ontario diversion program guidelines vary from region to region, courthouse to Courthouse. Eligibility for such a program is ALWAYS determined by the Crown Attorney's office. There are no exceptions. You are not required to have legal counsel in order to apply.

    If the offense - theft - is not major (property was recovered, not a large amount, not a repeat offender) the Crown Attorney MAY approve eligibility into the diversion program prior to the Court appearance. If there are prior dealings with the Police - and charges do not have to be placed, any prior dealings of a negative nature - the person will most likely not be eligible for the diversion program.

    As part of the diversion program the eligible person will have to agree to complete certain tasks or obligations - perhaps watch a video, make a donation or volunteer time to a not-for-profit, write a paper on the crime.

    When the tasks/obligations have been competed to the satisfaction of the Crown's Attorney he/she will recommend to the Judge that the criminal charge (usually, theft) be withdrawn.

    Each courthouse in Ontario has a different diversion program and eligibility requirements differ from region to region. Eligibility for the diversion program is always determined by the Crown Attorney's office. If they deem a theft offence to be of a minor nature (usually a small quantity of merchandise was taken and the property was recovered), the Crown may pre-approve eligibility into the diversion program. A person will not generally be eligible for diversion if they have had prior dealings with the police (even if it did not result in a criminal charge being laid). Once in the diversion program, the eligible candidate may be asked to complete one of a number of different tasks. In some jurisdictions, a person charged with theft may be required to watch a video on shoplifting. In other jurisdictions they may be required to make a donation to charity or complete a minimum number of community service hours - or both. Regardless of the requirements, the result is usually the same. Once the diversion program has been completed to the satisfaction of the Crown Attorney, the Crown will recommend to the court that the criminal charge of theft be withdrawn against the accused person. This will result in the accused person maintaining a clean record (assuming they didn't have a prior criminal record).

    If a person is not pre-screened as eligible for the diversion program, a lawyer may be able to convince a Crown Attorney to reconsider their decision.”

Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions

 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Theft under $5000 [ 2 Answers ]

I have been charged with 2 counts of theft under $5000- I went into a store with my boyfriend he went his way and I went mine then we met up and left together. 2 months later the police come to my home and arrest me. It's two counts because we were in the store on two different occasions, (we...

THEFT UNDER $5000 - second offence. (1st offence = theft from employer) [ 10 Answers ]

I am 19 years old. Living in british columbia, canada. Yesterday me and my friend were shoplifting at metrotown mall.. we were being followed around the mall because of our big purses and did not know it until we went into "old navy" where we saw a bunch of bathing suits and flip flops and jammed...

Theft under $5000.00 [ 1 Answers ]

What are the possible penalties against the thief?

Theft under 5000 [ 4 Answers ]

I have recently been charged with theft under 5000, I was at a bar late one night after a long day of drinking and when I was leaving, someone mentioned taking a police officers coat, the police officer was not around and it was at a coat check ( leave at own risk) I have yet to go to court, and...

Theft Under 5000/ way under 5000 [ 14 Answers ]

Okay this is probably one of the dumbest things I have done, day before yesterday I was caught on my own street with 2 other friends and I went into an open car, now I was not going to steal any money, I just didn't want to look like a pansy, I know stupid excuse. Anyway, right when I was in the...


View more questions Search