[dharma]

I am a Canadian since 3 years, educated and smart, believer of spirituality, being kind and being truthful.

Yet, this year made two biggest mistake of my life, left corporate world several years ago, due to the office politics, found a freelance job, since than funds not steady, although managed my low key lifetstyle.

This year has been stressful, parents dead, moves, break up with boyfriend.

So, I made two same mistakes, July was caught shop lifting, two food iteams, about $10.00, hired a lawyer, put it on a credit card and he got me diversion, paid a donation to sick kids toronto.


Now, this month, made the same mistake, due to few stupid reasons, shop lifted, another food item worth $5, and got caught, I said sorry and wanted to pay for it, the security guard was rigid and cops were called, the security guy promised not to charge, yet when the cops found out I was charged before, they were very harsh and gave me theft under, with bad attitude and a court date.

I can't afford a lawyer again, went to duty counsel, he told me I wouldn't go to jail, although was short and didn't answer any questions, just told me to appear on my court date.

I feel ashamed, embrassed and perplexed to all this, I have promised myself never to do this again, but have to take responsibility of what I did, I am worried, stressed and afraid, and don't know what will happen?

Can't speak to anyone about it? Would apreciate feedback, what is the worse which can happen in my case, as this is the second time, and now I wouldn't get diversion I think?

Will I go to jail? I will really be thankful for insight on this... :(

Also, can I travel before my fingerprints are taken and court date to Cuba?

[moyra]

Dharma I am so sorry for what you have been through this year, it must be horrendous.

I'm not much help with regards to your court case but I feel you need some kind of counselling, you have to look at why you stole in the first place. You will still be grieving for the loss of your parents and if that is not getting addressed properly it will overspill into other areas of your life.

I truly hope that everything will work out for you, I will say a little prayer for you and leave my thoughts with you.

[excon]

Hello Dharma:

Even here in the US, where we try to put EVERYBODY in jail, a second minor shoplifting charge would NOT result in a jail sentence.

In terms of your travel, you are charged - not convicted. Unless the court has forbidden travel outside Canada, I'm sure you're free to go.

I know you say you can't afford a lawyer, but I'm not sure you can afford NOT to hire one. Oh, I'm sure you can probably take care of this yourself by pleading guilty to whatever they charge you with. However, in 10 years, when you're trying to get that great new job, a conviction 10 years earlier might very well prevent you from getting that job.

A lawyer can protect YOUR interests long into the future, whereas you could not.

excon

[dharma]

Thanks so much for the advice,
I will appreciate more feedback from kind people here,

THANKS MOYRA & EXCON