[inhaLe]

Ok, so basically I was charged for theft under in December of 2006, and I'm 18 years of age. I gave back some of the things I've taken, but not some others.. anyway, I went to take fingerprints and all that good stuff, and then I got a letter in the mail saying I don't have to go to court, that they'll call me back if needed.

It's now March, and I got a letter in the mail saying I need to attend in the last week of April. Is there anything I can do to make sure that I won't have to pay more than I have? I don't have a lot in the bank.. I don't think I can afford a lawyer or an attorney. Even avoiding a criminal record, if it's possible, would be awesome.

Any help whatsoever would be appreciated.

And one last question.
If I can't avoid a criminal record, when I can it become erased totally? Is it possible? I live in Canada if it helps anyone..

Any other questions just ask. I'll be checking up on the hour.

[CaptainForest]

You are making it so easier to give you a lecture…

But, I will spare that as I am tired.

If you got a letter to go to Court in April then go to Court in April.

Is there anything I can do to make sure that I won't have to pay more than I have? I don't have a lot in the bank..

No. You stole and will have to pay them everything back, and perhaps an additional fine. Perhaps even some jail time. But for a first offence, jail time is unlikely.

I don't think I can afford a lawyer or an attorney.

A lawyer and attorney are the same thing. Just difference words to describe the same thing. For example, you can call Stephen Harper a Conservative or a Tory.

Also, you can check into legal aid for free lawyers.

Even avoiding a criminal record, if it's possible, would be awesome.

Yes, it is possible to avoid a criminal record. You will need to consult an attorney though.

And one last question.
If I can't avoid a criminal record, when I can it become erased totally? Is it possible? I live in Canada if it helps anyone..

Yes it can be erased.

You can apply for a pardon after 3 years of completing your sentence if tried for a summary offence or 5 years if tried for a indictable offence.

So if you get probation for a year, the 3 or 5 year period starts when your probation ENDS.

[inhaLe]

One last thing Captain.

You said I'd have to pay them back, but what if I still have what I took from them (employer)?
Or at least, what I admitted to?

[CaptainForest]

One last thing Captain.

You said I'd have to pay them back, but what if I still have what I took from them (employer)?
Or at least, what I admitted to?

It is sad how things work here in Canada (and I am pretty sure it’s the same in the US as well).

Let me give you an example.

I break into your house, steal your computer worth $2,000.

You have video cameras in your house, I am caught on tape….

I get arrested, and I am sentenced to community service.

You sue me to recover what I stole from you.

The Judge will give me a choice, to give you the computer back or give you its value (2,000).

The Judge and the Court will only FORCE me to give you the value (that is, 2,000), NOT to force me to give you the computer back.

So, you will not be forced to return anything, but you will be forced to pay them the money which those items are valued at.

You will only have to compensate them for items they know or think you have.

[inhaLe]

Thanks, I understand this now.

First offence ftw!