[NEELAB]

Hello
Last month I caught for shoplifting in simons in montreal the security of the mall called the police and I got finger printe and I have a court date on August 20 and I haven`t got any lawer so what should I do and also I have problem with my launguge because I don't speak french and my engilsh is not very well to speak with judge I really don't know what to do help me .

I was with my friends during the shopping I paid for my things when I was going to leave the store on of my friend's dauther asked me to give the bag to help me and I give her when we left the store. My friend' dauther gave the my bag and we continue going suddenly we saw the security came to us and told us to go inside the store I did't know that I have something in my bag .when I looked into my bag I saw there is two swathers in there I got really embarrass and then the securities took us to the control room .I saw my friends throwing their clothes under the desk and I also throw the two swathers under the desk we didn't know that there is camera there.I the security saw us I told them that these are not mine and they didn't listen to me and called the police now I don' know what to do please help me I'm really worry not to go in jail

[Diane Carol]

Tell it to the judge. If this is a first offence.. in other words, you haven't been in court before for anything, he'll probably give you a fine and a suspenced sentence.

Make notes about what you wish to say. Look the judge in the eye... and leave it there.
Don't shfufle your feet, look around the room or at any friends that may accompany you.
Keep your eyes on the judge when you tesitfy.
Be at ease when you tell him what happened and why you didn't remember there was a sweater in the bag.

Chances are, since the store was not out of pocket... the judge will suspend senetence.
You don't need a lawyer if you can't afford one. If the case appears to be a serious one, then by all means, ask for a remand... meaning the judge will allow you time to get a lawyer and bring the case up at a later date.

[NEELAB]

What will happen if this is the first time and if the items are not more than 200$ .Do you thing that person go to jail

[Fr_Chuck]

An attorney is never a bad idea. Also take someone who can speak your language for you, and/or ask the court to provide someone.

I personally would not go to court for any crime without an attorney.

[Joshua88]

Hi you,
I have similar problem as yours at this store. Could you tell me the result of your case in the court? I would appreciate very much.