I was caught shoplifting for the first time on 9th of July 2008. I hired a lawyer and waiting for the decision whether I can get diversion. How long do I normally have to wait to get this decision? My court date is on Sept 2nd. If I can get diversion will I be able to do the diversion before Sept 8th because I'm planing to go overseas and already bought the ticket.
What will normally happen If I don't get diversion? This is my first offence and the items I took were $80

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Originally Posted by sp3ed

I was caught shoplifting for the first time on 9th of July 2008. I hired a lawyer and waiting for the decision whether I can get diversion. How long do I normally have to wait to get this decision? My court date is on Sept 2nd. If I can get diversion will I be able to do the diversion before Sept 8th because I'm planing to go overseas and already bought the ticket.
What will normally happen If I dont get diversion? This is my first offence and the items I took were $80

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You could get probation, fined, ordered to pay restitution, ordered to do community service. If you bought your ticket after you were arrested you were foolish.

You have no idea what could/would happen and even if you get diversion you could very well find yourself on the Police computer having difficulty getting in or out of the country. You may not be able to enter whatever country you are planning to visit.

Hope you get diversion - but you still may not be allowed to leave the country until you meet all the conditions, including community service.

You will find out at your Court date.

First I doubt if it is all over by the time of your trip, and I would not make any plans that involved travel since there is no for sure.

I bought the ticket before this thing happened
What is the chance of getting diversion for me? I'm in Vancouver, BC

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Originally Posted by sp3ed

I bought the ticket before this thing happened
What is the chance of getting diversion for me? I'm in Vancouver, BC

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No one can answer that but the Court on the Court date - and if you get diversion you may not be able to leave the Country until you complete the terms.

"You could get probation, fined, ordered to pay restitution, ordered to do community service. If you bought your ticket after you were arrested you were foolish.

You have no idea what could/would happen and even if you get diversion you could very well find yourself on the Police computer having difficulty getting in or out of the country. You may not be able to enter whatever country you are planning to visit.

Hope you get diversion - but you still may not be allowed to leave the country until you meet all the conditions, including community service.

You will find out at your Court date."