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helpdesk5000 · Mar 11, 2012, 11:15 PM

Hello everyone,
I was caught for shoplifting a bottle of concealer from the grocery store in Guelph and am in a panic. I went there to get a couple groceries and happened to turn down the make up aisle. I am a 20 year old student and was tight on cash because I didn't work as much during midterms. I know that is no excuse and I realize how stupid of me it was. The regular clothing security guard followed me out of the store and asked me if I had make up in my purse which I didn't pay for and first I said no but when he asked again I handed it over because I realized how stupid it was since I was clearly caught and didn't want to get in more trouble. He told me I was under arrest and that I had to follow him to the office where he took down my information and told me he still had to call the police.
Once the officer arrived, he immediately asked me what my excuse was. I tried to explain to him why I had done it all the while saying it was no excuse and profusely appologized. He told me he wouldn't buy my poor student story because I was dressed "stylish" and my grocery list (the items I purchased) wasn't that of a poor student diet... Soy sauce, salt, and no name ice cream (which I was buying for my single-mom and I told him that). Apparently, "it's called KD" is the only thing a poor student is allowed to purchase. He went on to imply that I probably have stolen thousands of dollars worth of things, which I denied completely because this is completely out of character for me. He called and booked a fingerprint date and court date which happens to fall on the day of one of my final exams.
I have an appointment this week to see if I can defer my exam, which I pray they accept! I also can't finish my degree or get a job if this does end up on my record because my degree requires placements with a vulnerable population group, which ask for record checks and my career would as well.
This is my first offense and I am not able to tell anyone in my family about the situation because it would probably kill my mom if she found out! Does anyone know how to apply for the diversion program? Or do I just go to my first court date? Do I need to bring any evidence of how this would affect my future/career? What happens on the first court date anyway? Should I bring a lawyer? My in law works for the court and I am terrified she is going to find out and tell everyone. Has anyone ever gone through this experience or know someone that has and their story?

helpdesk5000 · Mar 11, 2012, 11:18 PM

P.S. I'm from Guelph, Ontario, Canada

JudyKayTee · Mar 12, 2012, 06:37 AM

This, unfortunately, isn't a chat board where people share experiences. It's primarily a site for questions and answers.

You also posted here - where all the info about this same type of arrest is posted: https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/crimin...ml#post3052823

Not telling your family could be a mistake if ever try to cross the US/Canadian border and are stopped.