My close cousin made mistake last week. Yes it is shoplifting. She was caught shoplifting for $5 worth stuff. The security officer took her to their back office, called cop and Cop got her citation to appear in court next month. I was just wondering what would be the consequences for her case since it is her first and last offence in Canada.

1. Should I call up store and try to settle down the case out of court or should I hire Lawyer and let him talk to store?

2. What are her chances to get accepted for Adult Diversion program since she is over 18.

3. If she gets accepted for Diversion program and completes it successfully will she still be getting Criminal Record?

Any suggestion would be highly appreciated.

Please help me here.

1. Should I call up store and try to settle down the case out of court or should I hire Lawyer and let him talk to store?

To late for this, the store has no ability to settle the criminal case. Only the DA can settle. In fact since she is over 18 you can't do anything, you have no standing in the case, only she can do something

2. What are her chances to get accepted for Adult Diversion program since she is over 18.

Good chance

3. If she gets accepted for Diversion program and completes it successfully will she still be getting Criminal Record?

No real public record, would a record be able to be seen by police or court yes, but it does not court as a conviction