Oh kay so my friend was recently charged for shoplifting at zellers for like $100 of goods. A hired shopper caught her and they charged her for stealing and possession of stolen goods because she left the store with it. They called the police and the police came and set up a court date, as charges were pressed. Her first court date is like next week and this is her first stealing offence. She is 18 years of age, BUT the unfortunate thing is that she is currently sitting on another charge involving trafficking. The charge is being resolved with 40 hours of community service, but those hours had just recently started and the date to like, check off those community service hours back at the court is AFTER the first court date for the shoplifting. I am just wondering if having this first charge will affect my friend from getting a diversion in court? Also is it not necessary to hire a lawyer, because she really doesn't want to spend a HEAP of money. She knows there is duty council, so iguess she was hoping they could just solve it. UHM she is attending university for neuroscience, has a job was valedictorian in high school.. blahblah.. will that stuff help to? This is in ontario by the way.

Yes, the first arrest causes her to be disqualified from the diversion program - she is a second time offender.

Is this about you or a friend?