Im a 19 year old student that was charged today with theft under 5000. I told a girl to take money and she put it in my sweater and it was all recorded on video survillence. I had a previous run in with the law for theft also, but the officer told me to do some community service hours. I'm in Toronto, Canada. You may think I'm an idiot and hopeless child. But I need help, because I'm scared this might affect my future in some way. I'm scared like crazy now, every time someone calls, I think cops are going to get me for something else. WHAT SHOULD I DO??

Hello shyne:

Call a lawyer, or just sit and wait.

excon

You should call a lawyer. They will often give you a free consultation first. As far as if they will catch you for something else, I guess that depends on if you did something else wrong. If you stole anything else and you know it's on tape but they haven't arrested you yet, I would fess up. I mean, if you KNOW you're going to get caught anyway, it might go better for you to be honest and tell them you had an attack of conscience. As far as it affecting you in the future, it most likely will. You just have to tell people that you did a wrong thing, learned your lesson, and made amends. That's the most any of us can do when we screw up. Try not to worry too much- it's not good for you. You really need to call a lawyer, especially if another person was involved. Don't get the same lawyer as her. You most likely will get more than some community service, if this is a 2nd offense. It just depends on the circumstances, etc. Get some legal help, you need it. Hope this helps!

I just want to thank you guys for your help in this matter. I spoke with a lawyer and was told that she will talk to the crown and negotiate a deal to drop my charges. She says its pretty stupid for the owner to do what he did and that it could be resolved without me getting a permanent record. Once again, thank you and God Bless you :)