How soon will I get a letter from police after I have been caught shoplifting? (about $30) I was questioned by the security of the store and was told to expect a letter from police. Will I be fingerprinted? Can I cross US border once I get fingerprinted? What will happen to me? I live in Canada. I am so ashamed I cannot look at myself, I feel like dying.

Hello b:

You may NEVER hear from the police. If it's been longer than a couple weeks, I doubt you will. Until you're contacted, if you EVER are, you're a full Canadian citizen WITHOUT a criminal record, and you can do ANYTHING your citizenship allows.

excon

Thank you for your reply. b.

I agree, normally if they were really going to call the police, you would have seen the police that day.

If you do get a letter, I would give it about 4 weeks. But my guess, the store was just going to scare you.

But yes if you get a letter, it will be to go in for photo and fingerprint.

More than likely the store will send you a letter asking for about 400 dollars for a civil penalty.

How will this affect my travels to US? What if the "fingerprinting" date will be when I am supposed to be away? (I already purchased tickets for my kids and I to go away in a month. This is so horrible...

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Originally Posted by bibi_s

how will this affect my travels to US? What if the "fingerprinting" date will be when I am supposed to be away? (I already purchased tickets for my kids and I to go away in a month. This is so horrible...

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Hello again, b:

The US is interested in keeping criminals out. You're only a criminal when and if you're CONVICTED. If you get diversion INSTEAD of a conviction then you'll NEVER have been convicted of ANYTHING. Therefore, the US will let you in.

But, if it were me, I wouldn't speculate on something that's not likely to happen. Worry about it if it does.

excon