I've been charged with theft under $5000 for shoplifting. I'm 16 years old and live in Ontario, Canada. I have a few questions and I would really appreciate any help anyone can give me :) This is my first offence and I have never been arrested or charged with anything before.

My family cannot afford to hire a lawyer, should I get a court appointed lawyer?
If I am convicted, will this affect my chances in applying to university before AND after I turn 18?
If I am convicted, will my fingerprints remain on file even after I turn 18?
Pleading Guilty or Not Guilty, how will it affect if I am convicted or not? What sort of plea arrangement would I be able to make?

Thank you very much to anyone who can help me!

You will probably get a diversion program. Go to court about 45 minutes and duty counsel will advise you if you are elegible. I don't think you need a lawyer. Good Luck!! Stay away from trouble

Thank you for your reply! I am hoping to get diversion I am very anxious about this whole ordeal. My mom seems to be convinced I will be convicted, she says that now I won't be able to travel out of canada or even go to university in Canada. I am very anxious I feel like this has ruined my life already.

You might be able to talk to a lawyer free of charge for half an hour consultation. Look on some websites for legal aide/ help and you may be referred to a lawyer who will talk to you for half hour free of charge or for $6. Also if you take some character reference letters with you to court this may help. Check out some web sites on what to expect in court, what to wear, etc...

Do not worry, I am 31 and am in the same situation as yourself, my 1st offense, and my lawyer says that there is a 80 % chance of me getting Diversions, or Adult Alternative Measure, and you are only 16 so you will almost for sure get Diversions, which results in no criminal record, as long as you complete it, and do all that is asked of you .

Also if you cannot afford a lawyer, look up Student Legal Services in Ontario, they are students but offer services
Free if you cannot afford a lawyer, they will do all the talking for you in court. Good Luck

Also I think in your case to plead guilty, cause it is pretty much for certain that you will get Diversion, if you plead not guilty, you will got to trail , and the L.P.O that caught you will testify, and you most likely will be found guilty, and then if can get messy.

Plead guilty, and get Diversions.. best bet.
This is what my lawyer told me today