Ask Me Help Desk - Theft (?) under 5000

Theft (?) under 5000

Hi I was invloved in an incident, where I was accused of stealing a pair of motorcycle goggles. It was at a running track, the people asked if I had it and I said no. They then called security and they came and found them under my bag I then returned the goggles. I tried to leave but security wouldn't let me leave threatining to ban me from the premisis if I did (I can't get banned I need to go there its where I go to school). They then said if I didn't give them information they would call the cops. I provided my info and they talked to the person who's goggles I had. They then told me the person could file with the police to press charges if they want and it looked like they might. I then left.
The head of security called me the next day and I found out that security wasn't going to pursue the issue and he said he didn't think the other people would.
I have never had a criminal charge or anything remotly close.

This was about five days ago. Today I got a call on my home phone from the local Remand center but I wasn't home and they didn't leave a message. This has me pretty worried

I am wondering if I was going to be charged how would I be contacted and by who. As well if I were charged how long realisticly would it take for this to happen and when would my court date be. Lastly is it even possible to be charged with theft in this situation.

Im pretty concered because I am in university and an athlete and this could really ruin a lot of things for me.

I am sorry I forgot to mention I am in Alberta Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by style1234

I am wondering if I was going to be charged how would I be contacted and by who. As well if I were charged how long realisticly would it take for this to happen and when would my court date be. Lastly is it even possible to be charged with theft in this situation.

Hello s:

I don't know what the remand center is, but I'll bet they weren't delivering flowers. Apparently you CAN be charged, and you might. How long will it take?? I don't know. What I DO know, is you need a criminal attorney, and you need him NOW.

excon

I will add to what Excon said that you CAN be banned and then it's up to you to find another facility to meet whatever requirements your school has in place.

So - did you steal the goggles or not?

What I meant by I can't get banned is I will be totally screwed if I did.

I never took the goggles, they were sitting on the ground next to a wall and I put my bag on top of them.
Who would contact me to let me know there are charges? Would it be the police?

Quote:

Originally Posted by style1234

What I ment by I can't get banned is I will be totally screwed if I did.

I never took the goggles, they were sitting on the ground next to a wall and I put my bag on top of them.
Who would contact me to let me know there are charges? Would it be the police?

The Police would advise you of criminal charges because criminal charges are filed with the Police.

And, yes, you could be totally screwed.

Thanks for letting me know who would call. I am no sure why the Remand center would call me its kind of like a jail a place for people
Awaiting trial
Sentenced inmates with further charges
Parolees whose parole has been suspended or revoked
Inmates waiting transfer to appropriate provincial and federal institutions
Detainees held under the federal immigration and Refugee Protection Act
And I am none of these.

In your experience or opinion in a situation like this what is the precedent? Is it likely that the police would file charges, I would be convicted etc?

Quote:

Originally Posted by style1234

In your experience or opinion in a situation like this what is the precedent? Is it likely that the police would file charges, I would be convicted etc?

Hello style:

In MY experience, there is NO way to tell, because there are many, many factors that come into play. We know one or two of them.

I don't know if you'd be convicted, because I don't know: (1) if you did it, (2) what evidence there is that you did it, (3) whether you TOLD them you did it, (4), whether you're willing to hire a lawyer to protect your rights, (5) whether you're employed, (6) whether you're a member of a good standing family, (7) your looks, (8) your ability to communicate, (9) how angry the victim is (10) how angry the prosecutor is, (11) how angry the judge is, (12) how angry the community is... and I could go on, and on and on...

excon

Thank you for your reply, it seems to me I would have the factors 1-8 in my favor.

I know you can't really tell when the charges will be laid against you and they can be come at any time but it has been driving me crazy, I haven't been able to sleep, stop stressing etc. Could either of you give me a rough percentage of the likelihood of pressing charges after a certain amount of time.
For example within 1 day 95%, 3 days 80%. 1 week etc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by style1234

Thank you for your reply, it seems to me I would have the factors 1-8 in my favor.

I know you can't really tell when the charges will be laid against you and they can be come at any time but it has been driving me crazy, I haven't been able to sleep, stop stressing etc. Could either of you give me a rough percentage of the likelihood of pressing charges after a certain amount of time.
For example within 1 day 95%, 3 days 80%. 1 week etc.

No one knows - it's law, not science.

I know that you can't know exactly.

What I mean is from previous experience and what you know and have seen typically how quickly are charges filed and past what point in time is there a good chance that they won't be. I am just asking what the norm is.

Quote:

Originally Posted by style1234

I know that you can't know exactly.

What I mean is from previous experience and what you know and have seen typically how quickly are charges filed and past what point in time is there a good chance that they wont be. I am just asking what the norm is.

There is NO norm. If you use the research people you will see people charged after 6 months (rather irregular), after 30 days, all over the place.

Thank you very much for your help. Right now I guess I just have to wait.
If I have any questions in the future I hope you will be so kind as to help me out.