Hi,

My mom was caught recently at a department store for shoplifting in toronto, ontario.
This was her first time doing anything like this, her record is clean.

I wasn't present when it happened, but because my mom couldn't speak english (she is a canadian citizen), the situation had gotten worse that it really was. She didn't know how to express herself but paniked at what was happening. She grabbed a wrist of an employee who snatched my mom's purse from her, and she left a scratch on that employee's arm.
When police arrived at the scene, that employee complained and she now is charged with an assult and a theft under 5000. She told me that she was asked to sign a form which I'm guessing that outlined what has happened on the scene and she agreed to the guilt.

Now, she is expecting to appear at a police station for a finger print, and she has a court scheduled after that. Also to add to this, that department store gave my mom a letter stating that they will be sending us a mail stating the fine she has to pay them.

She and I are so worried that we cannot do anything else but to possibly find a way to deal with this case. We don't know what to expect at the court, nor what the fine will be from the store. We are considering hiring a lawyer, but worried that it might be too expensive. Do we need a lawyer for the court?

Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Well now I can say I learn something new.
I was in Toronto one time and have known people from Toronto and I always thought English was common even if it was their second language.
I don't know how much trouble she will be in because she has two charges. For the shoplifting the minimum will be taking Alternatives/Diversion class(es) and paying a fine of at least $250. Or more.
She should get a lawyer because a couple other people that shoplifted in Canada posted why you should not pay the store and why.
If they are right then I would send the store a certified letter stating that she will be fine with paying the store once it has gone through the court and the Crown or whoever puts it in writing that that is what she is to do.

I would hire a lawyer, as she has two charges and assault plus theft is a criminal charge, and if she ever wants to leave the country it could stop her from doing so. If you don't have the money, or your mom is on a pension, she can look into going to legal aid. Either way, there should be a legal clinic in your area, which she can get legal advise free, and, often lawyers will give a free consultation, which will give you good advice. Good luck,
Blessings,

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Originally Posted by luciz

I would hire a lawyer, as she has two charges and assault plus theft is a criminal charge, and if she ever wants to leave the country it could stop her from doing so. If you don't have the money, or your mom is on a pension, she can look into going to legal aid. Either way, there should be a legal clinic in your area, which she can get legal advise free, and, often lawyers will give a free consultation, which will give you good advice. Good luck,
Blessings,

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Hi, thanks for your reply.
Under what conditions a person is not allowed/being investigated when she tries to visit the other country? If court drops her charge or give her something that's minor, would that still affect her leaving the country?
Thank you.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by N0help4u

well now I can say I learn something new.
I was in Toronto one time and have known people from Toronto and I always thought English was common even if it was their second language.
I don't know how much trouble she will be in because she has two charges. For the shoplifting the minimum will be taking Alternatives/Diversion class(es) and paying a fine of at least $250. or more.
She should get a lawyer because a couple other people that shoplifted in Canada posted why you should not pay the store and why.
If they are right then I would send the store a certified letter stating that she will be fine with paying the store once it has gone through the court and the Crown or whoever puts it in writing that that is what she is to do.

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Thanks,
Yes because of her language they just concluded that there was no chance of hearing her side of the story and made her sign the document without her really knowing that was written on it.. it is just awful.
If I hire a lawyer, would he/she be able to retrieve her file from the police to see what charges she is actually facing? I've never had a lawyer in my life, not sure how the whole thing works.
Thanks again.