I was charged in Toronto,Canada for entering a store and taking $348 worth of beauty products . I did get stopped by security and was taken to the back and the merchandise was returned. The store did not charge me with theft but because I had a previous charge the officer did charge me with the crime. I do have to go to court on March 10 but I'm nervous on what sentence will be given to me. I do work from 9-5 mon-fri so if I had to do community service can I ask to have it done on weekends because I cannot loose my job. Also could I ask if I can pay a fine and get it done with because I am working I will be able to afford it. I know what I did was stupid and I take full responsibility I am embarrassed and I will never do it again. Also I am leaving the country for a family member wedding from March 25-April 8 . Should I let the judge know that just in case I am senteced to do community service ? Please help I'm extremely nervous. What do you think the judge will tell me ?

Thank you so much

I think you will be put on probation - which may keep you from leaving the country - and given a hefty fine. You may also get community service. "Usually" the Court doesn't care when you actually perform the service.

Canada is fairly lenient the first time BUT you apparently didn't learn from the first time so I would expect the Court to try to teach you a lesson now.

Well I been told from several people that I won't do probation that I will wither get community service or have to pay a fine.

Assuming the people who are telling you this are Canadian Attorneys I would say they are right and I would do nothing.

If they are NOT Canadian Attorneys I would say I am right and would follow my advice.

I would also learn how to use this site (keep all correspondence on the same thread) AND I would read the rules for "agree" and "disagree." My advice was reasonably sound.

You may not like the advice... but that's how Canadian law works.

Thank you Judy very much. I have even spoken to canadian police and they told me not to worry so much about the charges that I should get legal advice. Now on my first court appearance which is March 10 for I have to plead guilty or not guilty on my first trial ? Should I get the paper work from the Crown Attorney and look over it before I make a decision and would that look bad that I want to come back to court ? Also do you think I would do any jail time ? Should I tell them that I work full-time and I am the only person in my home who does ? Should I say my 2 family members in my home are disabled and I cannot lose my job? Also one more thing should I bring in letters from people who know me that I am a good person ?

Thank you so much for your help it's much appreciated .

Hello L:

If being NEEDED at home kept people OUT of jail, the jails would be empty - and they aren't.

excon

Hello again, L:

I changed my mind.. You should, indeed, tell the judge he should be lenient because of how wonderful you are. Please do that.. Please!

excon

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Originally Posted by LADYLALA1976

Thank you Judy very much. I have even spoken to canadian police and they told me not to worry so much about the charges that I should get legal advice. Now on my first court apperance which is March 10 fo I have to plead guilty or not guilty on my first trial ? Should I get the paper work from the Crown Attorney and look over it before I make a decision and would that look bad that I want to come back to court ? Also do you think I would do any jail time ? Should I tell them that I work full-time and I am the only person in my home who does ? Should I say my 2 family members in my home are disabled and I cannot lose my job? Also one more thing should I bring in letters from people who know me that I am a good person ?

Thank you so much for your help it's much appreciated .

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I would ask the same friends who gave you the other legal advice. I'm sure they know. (I'm also sure the Judge will tell you that very few "good people" steal.)

Can you please tell me what happened to your case? Anything will help.Thanks!

She hasn't been back since January. The fact that she hasn't been back to tell us how wrong we were and how right she was leads me to believe our advice was correct.