What counts as a first offence? (Canada)
A family member of mine (22 year old) has recently started to get in trouble with the law.
A few months ago he was caught shoplifting. The police/store did not proceed with charges but certain conditions were drawn up (banned from store for x years... etc.).
A few weeks ago, he was apprehended for using a stolen debit card to withdraw money and make other purchases (total to around $1,000).
I understand from some of the literature published by the justice department here that it is common for the first offence for theft/fraud under $5K to be dismissed (i.e. crown does not proceed with prosecution).
Would the shoplifting incident already be counted as the first offence?
