Hello,
I am 18 and today I got caught shoplifiting in a Simons in Montreal, Canada. I stole about 120$ worth of clothes and I am ashamed of what I have done. The security gards took me to their office and made me sign papers explaining that I had to pay a fine to the store and that I would receive it in one month. The police officers came and searched me. They gave me a paper stating the date of my court appearance as well as the day I have to get fingerprinted. I don't know what to expect or what to do on the day I have to go to court. Should I get an attorney? I am a good student, I have never been arrested in my life, can I be discharged or acquitted because I really don't want to have this on my record. I plan on working in the future and if I have a criminal record, I might never find a job.. Please help, thank you!

If you hire a lawyer, there is a 100% chance you won't get a criminal record- your charges will be dropped for a petty theft charge. If you don't hire a lawyer, there is still a good chance the prosecutor might drop the charges if you do some community service or restitution.

Hahaha well actually, I received a letter about two weeks ago informing me that my civil pursuit and my judiciary case were all being dropped! They have revised my file and concluded that I am a good citizen (I've never been arrested before, I go to school, I work, my family is clean, etc.) I'm so happy right now!! However, I have learned my lesson and I don't plan on shoplifting ever again, and I am still banned from Simons, but frankly I do not care :P Anyway, thank you for taking the time to answer even if I didn't really need it anymore :)