[Jhe]

Hi this is jhe. 26 years old living in ontario canada city of brampton. I got caught shoplifting at zellers last December 8 2008. I took a bottle of perfume and boxer and the price was about 112 if I may not mistaken. Then the zellers security got all my info. They said I will receive a call from the police in a week. Then they let me go. After a couple of days a police officer called me and he asked my side. I explained to him in details why I did it. I told the officer that my grandmother back from my country philippines has passed away last week of November. She took care and fed me for the past 25 years of my life. As much I as wanted to help when it comes to burial and buying a lot area for the cemetery I can't afford to do that neither my relatives. So I went to the bank and asked for a personal loan but just got denied. SO I don't know why, where and how can I get the money for all that expences. THe lot area in the cemetery is quite expensive it cost 80,000 pesos of 2000 dollars. I was crying on the fon that time. And the officer told me to relax. He understand me. BUt he can't do anything to pursue some paper works. He told me averyone make mistakes and everyone deserve a secpond chance. And I was really apologetic and thankful to all the security at zellers. The good thing they caught me for shoplifting as early as possible or I mean during that moment because if not it'll be getting worst that I might do it all over again. I know that I engaged in behavior which was regretable and demonstrated bad judgement. It was very disappointing and terrible decision I made. SO the officer had file a paper works for the court and he told me to wait a few weeks. But after couple of months I didn't receive any letter yet and officer called me and said if I can go to 22 division and sign a documents and summons on Thursday April 9. Im kind of scared and don't know what to do. I just pray everything will be OK. What is that summons and what willl happen next? I don't have a lawyer and can't afford to get 1. I need your help

[JudyKayTee]

Here is what I wrote about the Canadian diversion program:

“Ontario diversion program guidelines vary from region to region, courthouse to Courthouse. Eligibility for such a program is ALWAYS determined by the Crown Attorney's office. There are no exceptions. You are not required to have legal counsel in order to apply.

If the offense - theft - is not major (property was recovered, not a large amount, not a repeat offender) the Crown Attorney MAY approve eligibility into the diversion program prior to the Curt appearance. If there are prior dealings with the Police - and charges do not have to be placed, any prior dealings of a negative nature - the person will most likely not be eligible for the diversion program.

As part of the diversion program the eligible person will have to agree to complete certain tasks or obligations - perhaps watch a video, make a donation or volunteer time to a not-for-profit, write a paper on the crime.

When the tasks/obligations have been competed to the satisfaction of the Crown's Attorney he/she will recommend to the Judge that the criminal charge (usually, theft) be withdrawn.

Each courthouse in Ontario has a different diversion program and eligibility requirements differ from region to region. Eligibility for the diversion program is always determined by the Crown Attorney's office. If they deem a theft offence to be of a minor nature (usually a small quantity of merchandise was taken and the property was recovered), the Crown may pre-approve eligibility into the diversion program. A person will not generally be eligible for diversion if they have had prior dealings with the police (even if it did not result in a criminal charge being laid). Once in the diversion program, the eligible candidate may be asked to complete one of a number of different tasks. In some jurisdictions, a person charged with theft may be required to watch a video on shoplifting. In other jurisdictions they may be required to make a donation to charity or complete a minimum number of community service hours - or both. Regardless of the requirements, the result is usually the same. Once the diversion program has been completed to the satisfaction of the Crown Attorney, the Crown will recommend to the court that the criminal charge of theft be withdrawn against the accused person. This will result in the accused person maintaining a clean record (assuming they didn't have a prior criminal record).

If a person is not pre-screened as eligible for the diversion program, a lawyer may be able to convince a Crown Attorney to reconsider their decision.”

[Jhe]

What do you mean by the crown attorney?
And did you mean that I have a chance ike 50/50 that my case be withdrawn? Thanks so so much