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albgirl · Jan 4, 2009, 06:26 AM

So I'm from alberta canada and on Friday night I was arrested and charged with theft from my employer (I had work there 2 months) under $5000. This is my first offence I'm 20 years old. And when at the police station they asked me to leave a statement, and tell my side of the story. I didn't use my right to remain silent which I realize now I should have but I worte a statement saying I stole on 3 occasions one being 100$ from till another occasion being 25$ from legde of safe and one being $50 from till 3 separate occsaions. Than was told I was being charged only from one inncodent and it was an undetermined amount . I am getting a lawyer he is the best criminal lawyer in alberta. But I'm suppose to be going to africa with a charity organization on feb 12th and my court date is the 4th what could happen to me in the worst case and the best case?

excon · Jan 4, 2009, 06:35 AM

Hello girl:

Worst?? Jail. Best?? Probation.

excon

N0help4u · Jan 4, 2009, 06:37 AM

The minimum
They will make you take class(es). Then you report back to the Crown and may have to pay restitution and a fine.
If you don't get into any more trouble after so many years, you can ask about getting any record it leaves expunged.
I have no idea how it will effect your going to Africa. Since it is a charity thing they may let you go. I can't say it is up to the Crown.

Remember never bite the hand that feeds you it bites back.

albgirl · Jan 4, 2009, 06:38 AM

So it will be impossible for me to leae this situation without criminal record? And what about leaveing for africa on the 14th? And because I haven't appeared in court yet as of being arrested I have a criminal record?

N0help4u · Jan 4, 2009, 06:48 AM

It is up to the court to tell you if you can go to Africa or not.
I am not sure if you have a record other than that you were picked up and booked at this point because you haven't been to court yet
(-innocent until proven guilty in a court of law).

albgirl · Jan 4, 2009, 06:53 AM

Even though I wrote a statement in jail about what had happened or will that just be evidence when I do go to court?

excon · Jan 4, 2009, 06:54 AM

Hello again, girl:

NOTHING is written in stone. LOTS of results are possible. YOU can control the results MUCH better if you have a good lawyer. The better your lawyer, the better your chances are of leaving on your trip. Plus, the better your lawyer, the better your chances are of NOT winding up with a criminal record.

If it was as easy as you seem to think it is, we could do away with judges and courts, and just look stuff up in a book.

excon

albgirl · Jan 4, 2009, 07:21 AM

So if I were to apply for a job on say Monday and they did a security check would it show up that I have a charge against me?

excon · Jan 4, 2009, 07:29 AM

Hello again, girl:

Well, if you're applying for a job as a COP, then it'll probably show up... But, if you're going to flip burgers, it won't.

Again, you seem to think ALL background checks are the SAME. They are NOT! IF the burger joint wanted to spend a bunch of money to check you out, they WOULD find out that you've been arrested... But, most burger joints aren't going to do that.

excon

albgirl · Jan 4, 2009, 07:32 AM

Thank you very much this has been very helpful I have an appoiuntment with my laywer on Monday is there anything I should bring to this appointment.
I plan on bringing my ticket for africa and also a write up of things I have been involved in with my community and things I have accomplished over the years. Anything else to ake me more prepared for my meeting with my laywer?

N0help4u · Jan 4, 2009, 08:05 AM

Let them know that the trip to Africa is charity and what organization you are going with that may help you look better to the Court.

JudyKayTee · Jan 4, 2009, 08:18 AM

Originally Posted by albgirl

thank you very much this has been very helpful i have an appoiuntment with my laywer on monday is there anything i should bring to this appointment.
i plan on bringing my ticket for africa and also a write up of things i have been involved in with my community and things i have accomplished over the years. anything else to ake me more prepared for my meeting with my laywer?

Do you know if you can actually get into wherever you are going in Africa with an arrest or the charge hanging over you?

And does the charitable organization you are travelling with do background checks prior to the trip?

Theft from an employer in Canada is taken a whole lot more seriously than theft from a stranger. People have posted that they did not qualify for diversion because it was a matter of employee theft.

albgirl · Jan 4, 2009, 08:44 AM

There are no backround checks to get into my area and I thought I don't have a criminal record until my court appearance. So I'm trying to get it pushed until after my trip.

N0help4u · Jan 4, 2009, 08:49 AM

Originally Posted by JudyKayTee

Theft from an employer in Canada is taken a whole lot more seriously than theft from a stranger. People have posted that they did not qualify for diversion because it was a matter of employee theft.

I was thinking that too that employee theft is worse than shoplifting so a lot will depend on the Judge.

emery · Jan 4, 2009, 12:07 PM

Yes, theft from employer is viewed very seriously here in Canada and in most cases will not qualify for the diversion program. You best bet may be a conditional discharge, speak to your lawyer about this and please let us know the result.