For the past 2 yrs I have been on a methadone maitenace program, for a serious opiate abuse problem. Over a yr ago I got a job as a home support worker, helping people in there homes.
About 3 months ago I got a new client who was prescribed methadose for pain. I'm not going to sugar coat this there's no reason to, I started stealing her pain pills a few at a time. My client saw that pills were dwindeling away and decided to put in a video camera to catch the person doing in.
So I got busted. I'm not using my addiction as an excuse because I KNOW that what I was doing was wrong. The day I got caught an officer came to my door and talked to me about it, I "played" dumb at first but he told me they had me on tape. I gave him back the pills I had left (I had already taken some) He didn't take me down to the station because I have a chid and he was nice enough not to envolve her. THANK GOD. I went the next day and was charged with theft under 5000 and being unlawfully in a dwelling. I have never been in trouble before, and I am so scared. I have pretty much already said I was guilty by givivng him the pills back not to mention the tape. When I was at the station I gave the officer a letter of apaology I wrote to the lady. I am so ashamed, and can't even think about how I have made her feel. It was front page news yesterday (without my name but my family have already figured it out)

Do I need a lawyer? I'm a single mother, it would have to be legal aide. Or should I just go in and tell them my story? I am seeking more addiction help now, and counselling but
I am so afraid that I am going to jail, and I'll lose my daughter.
What should I do?

Hello hail:

IF you're being charged with a felony, then you'll be appointed a lawyer. Until then, don't talk to the cops or anybody else.

If you didn't understand my last sentence, let me repeat it, don't talk to the cops!

excon

Thanks for the answer, I am in the process of seeking legal council. I am most likely going to plead guilty to the first counts as they have me on tape. When they first arressted me they asked me questions about other clients who had reported money or meds missing. I denied it cause the first lady was the ONLY person I stole from.
But after x mas the cop decided to charge me again because one of the clients who reported pills missing I had seen once or twice. The cop called me back and charged me with another count of theft under 5000 and being unlawful in a dwelling house. Like I said I'll plead guilty to the first one but this second one is crap ( I know it looks bad tho) Does anyone know what kind of sentencing I could be looking at? This is a first offence.
Thanks!

Oh by the way I live in Ontario Canada