Ask Me Help Desk - Theft Under $5000

Theft Under $5000

Can someone help me, I was caught stealing from employer and the LP guy caught me. This is my first offense and I'm scared so badly, I'm 18 so I'm considered an adult and I don't know why I did such a stupid thing to jepordize my feature. I really don't know what's going to happened. I'm going to be guilty and I'm not going to lie about it but is there any possibility that if the company decides not to press charges will I go to court and have a record. And if there's a possibly to get a conditional discharge with probation? I just don't want this from messing with my future later on in my life...

There are dozens of threads in this forum about the same thing. Read them and you will have your answers.

It's all dependent on what happens in court, but an Adult record hangs over your head forever. You will need to apply for a Pardon.

Diversion Programs

I've been reading couple of these threads but what is truly a diversion program? Can I apply? I'm 18 and this is my first theft under $5000, how do I even get started if I can.

Claims with Companies

Can stores put a claim on you if you stole? What is a claim to begin with

Quote:

Originally Posted by matri6

Can stores put a claim on you if you stole? what is a claim to begin with

I don't know what you mean by putting a claim on you. Do you mean can they file criminal charges against you with the Police.

If that is the question, yes, they can.

Quote:

Originally Posted by matri6

Can someone help me, i was caught stealing from employer and the LP guy caught me. this is my first offense and im scared so badly, im 18 so im considered an adult and i dunno why i did such a stupid thing to jepordize my feature. i really dunno whats gonna happend. im going to be guilty and im not gonna lie about it but is there any possibility that if the company decides not to press charges will i go to court and have a record. and if theres a possibly to get a conditional discharge with probation? i just don't want this from messing with my future later on in my life.....

Same question, 3 threads. Should be combined.

Quote:

Originally Posted by matri6

I've been reading couple of these threads but what is truly a diversion program? can i apply? im 18 and this is my first theft under $5000, how do i even get started if i can.?

Quoting myself again and addressing Ontario because I don't know where you are. Other people have posted that people who steal from an employer - as you indicate you have done - do not necessarily qualify for the diversion program because it's not "simple" shoplifting.

Also - posts should be combined.

"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 Curt 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. "

I have merged all of your questions. Please do no keep asking the similar questions on new threads, just add to existing threads

Quote:

Originally Posted by matri6

I've been reading couple of these threads but what is truly a diversion program? can i apply? im 18 and this is my first theft under $5000, how do i even get started if i can.?

There have been several threads that describe the diversion program, what didn't you understand? It really very simple. First time offenders are allowed to do some sort of community service or similar. At the completion of the program, then charges are dismissed. You apply at the courthouse.