Theft under 5000, Just north of Toronto
I am going to be detailed as possible. I am 21 years old, male, and have been caught shoplifting in a grocery store in Vaughan, a city just north of Toronto. I was caught taking exactly 15 items totalling $69.30 of merchandise from this grocery store. As I was leaving the store, I was caught by store security. Eventually, they called police. The police officer charged me with 2 charges. 1) Theft under $5000 and 2)Possession of property obtained by crime. I don't have a criminal record. This is my first time being charged. The police officer told me he would make note to the judge to suggest a diversion program for me. I have already taken my fingerprints taken at a police station. I have already attended my first court appearance. I didn't hire a lawyer because I thought I was going to offerred diversion. However, I was not offered diversion by the Crown. I did receive a disclosure. On the disclosure, it says the Crown will proceed on the charges as laid (summarily) and will not consider diversion. The duty counsel lawyer adjoured my case 1 month later and told me I should hire a criminal lawyer. So after this first court appearnce, I hired a criminal lawyer. (cost me about $1500) The lawyer has adjoured my case until the first week of May to have a Crown pre-trial. Can a lawyer convince the Crown during the Crown pre-trial to change their mind and offer me diversion? If not, what could happen?
I am seeking as much professional help I can get in this matter? Thanks to everyone who replies me.
