Hi, I am in a similar situation. I was caught shoplifting about 7 months ago. No police was called. I signed paper with security guard admitting my guilt. 4 months after the incident, I received and paid the civil demand. But now, I am just wondering when (hopefully not) will I get the crimal charge. I am in BC. Hope you can share any info. With me.

Please only post once. My feeling is if 7 months have gone by you are not going to be charged.

Thank you for your response. Is there a time limit for the crown council file a criminal charge for shoplifting under $10? I am in my 20's and do not want to lose my job over this. The other thing is, if the police wasn't called, for me to confirm whether any criminal charges were filed, would it be a good idea to go to the local police station, contact the original store, or someone else? Any suggestions? I know this sounds like a broken record but I am really sorry for what I have done... I was really going through tough time in my life, with my wife separated from me at that time and took away my kids and all...

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Originally Posted by redshoe

Thank you for your response. Is there a time limit for the crown council file a criminal charge for shoplifting under $10? I am in my 20's and do not want to lose my job over this. The other thing is, if the police wasn't called, for me to confirm whether any criminal charges were filed, would it be a good idea to go to the local police station, contact the original store, or someone else? Any suggestions? I know this sounds like a broken record but I am really sorry for what I have done... I was really going through tough time in my life, with my wife separated from me at that time and took away my kids and all....

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I would do nothing to cross the radar. Again, shoplifting under $10, so many months have gone by, the Police weren't called at the time - I'm sure the intention was to scare you straight and then drop it.

Sorry you're going through all of this - I'd take a deep breath, consider myself lucky that it wasn't (and it could have been) worse and keep walking.

I honestly think the episode is over.

Thank you very much for your response. I just hope that I can put that embarrassing event behind me.

I do have one more question though. In my instance, where police wasn't called. For a criminal charge to occur, is the store the only one that could initiate such a proceeding? If so, do they need to file a police report or they can go directly to the crown council? I presume criminal charge normally happens within a month or two after the event takes place... so, hopefully, I can put this event behind me and deal with other unfortunate events in my life.

Thanks again. I appreciate any feedback.

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Originally Posted by redshoe

Thank you very much for your response. I just hope that I can put that embarassing event behind me.

I do have one more question though. In my instance, where police wasn't called. For a criminal charge to occur, is the store the only one that could initiate such a proceeding? If so, do they need to file a police report or they can go directly to the crown council? I presume criminal charge normally happens within a month or two after the event takes place.... so, hopefully, I can put this event behind me and deal with other unfortunate events in my life.

Thanks again. I appreciate any feedback.

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I am not 100% positive about Canada but in the US store security usually calls the Police - but I have known the store to release the shoplifter and go to Court and file charges afterward but at least in my area that's rare. Of course, after a certain time frame the Police/Courts are not terribly receptive. They can't wander in two months later and file a report. The question becomes, "Where have you been?"

You're good to go - and I do hope the rest of the things you've got going work out for you.

Just want to thank you for your feedback. I really appreciate it.