[jaedis]

For the past three or so months I've been taking money from the till at work. I worked at a very busy Superstore in British Columbia, and yesterday I was caught on camera taking money from the till. The store's loss prevention confronted me and they had a folder record of the times cash had gone missing from the till during my work shift. They said missing cash amounted up to 800-- I am quite positive I did not take such a high sum of money. After reasoning with loss prevention, they made me sigh a form that promised I would return 460-- still high in my book but at the time I was glad they would at least let me off the hook easy.

At first they informed me they would not press charges and would just ask me to resign and repay the 460 CDN, but after a while loss prevention informed me his boss told me he would have to call the police. I was arrested and held in custody for theft of under 5000. The policeman released me with a promise to appear in court (scheduled for January); and gave me a choice to provide a tape-recorded statement. I did so, admitting to taking the money and also mentioning that the 800 I had initially been accused of taking was far too high. The cop asked me, 'Did you take the money while knowing it was wrong to do so?' and I replied yes. Following the statement the police finally told me that courts generally may let people who provide statements OFF the hook pretty easy.

I regret what I did, this is my first offence and I am 19, a university student too. I am attempting to keep this from my parents whom I am very close with. I really hope I will not get a criminal record because (1) my family crossed the US border to do shopping quite often and I might get stopped because of a record, and (2) I am pursuing law school and a side career in real estate. I do not wish to serve time in jail. I know theft from employee cases are usually treated more strictly. What should I ask for when I appear in court? Should I get an attorney (free)? I know good lawyers but cannot possibly afford one.

Help! I can't sleep or rest easy at all ;;

[Fr_Chuck]

While an attorney never hurts, you have little use for one now, expect to try and work out a sentence.

1. never admit to the crime,
2. never make a deal with company to "not call the police" unless it is in writing.
3. don't confess to the police, any confession to a work place may have gotten thrown out (maybe) but not one to the police and admit you knew it was wrong.

In fact, they can come back to the first 800 if they have records that much was missing.

I doubt you will not have a criminal record, Most likely just get probation but this is not like shoplifting .

[jaedis]

They do have records that it comes to 800, but I was informed by the police that since the loss prevention and I have signed an agreement for me to return 460, I do expect it to stay there.

Is diversion not possible? I read many threads and they say that to avoid the worst, such as jail time, I should get an attorney that the court will provide.

[jaedis]

They do have records that it comes to 800, but I was informed by the police that since the loss prevention and I have signed an agreement for me to return 460, I do expect it to stay there.

Is diversion not possible? I read many threads and they say that to avoid the worst, such as jail time, I should get an attorney that the court will provide.

[jaedis]

I did post a question earlier but I did not receive much input. I am hoping that if I shorten out my description a little, I may get more feedback. I just need to calm my nerves right now; I cannot sleep, and I'm going crazy with anxiety.

1. I was caught taking cash from till at work and was accused by the store's loss prevention of taking cash from till amounting to $800.
2. I negotiated with loss prevention and we came to a restitution total of $460 instead.
3. I was arrested a little after by police, charged with theft under $5000, and am now required to go in for a fingerprinting and to appear at court in January.
4. This takes place in British Columbia. I am a university student, 19 years old. I really did something stupid and am hoping I can get out of this with diversion or anything as light as possible. This is my first offence, and I vow for it to be my last. I really wish for this to not go to my criminal record.

Please help?

[excon]

This is my first offence, and I vow for it to be my last. I really wish for this to not go to my criminal record. Please help?

Hello j:

Posting your question again won't get you a better answer.. The Padre told you right. Everything you SHOULDN'T have done, you did. There's no taking it back, so why discuss it? Your only hope lies in the quality of your attorney. I don't know if BC requires them to appoint you one. I don't think so.

excon

[jaedis]

Hello j:

Posting your question again won't get you a better answer.. The Padre told you right. Everything you SHOULDN'T have done, you did. There's no taking it back, so why discuss it? Your only hope lies in the quality of your attorney. I don't know if BC requires them to appoint you one. I don't think so.

Excon

I really regret doing what I did, and I admitted to taking the cash and stated I was willing to pay the restitution FULLY. Here in courts I believe they assign you an attorney if one cannot afford a public attorney/lawyer.

Jaedis

[excon]

Hello again, j:

Then tell your story to him, and do what he says.

excon

[Fr_Chuck]

All of the various posts merged