Caught Shoplifting in Toronto

On Saturday last l was with my wife shopping and caught the urge to steal some DVD's out of their boxes. I actually took out 6 approx $200. It was like being lost in the moment. Needless to say l left the store to go to my car and was stopped in the parking lot. Probably the worst feeling in the world and total collapse of my world. The store called the police and l was charged with theft under $5000 and released. I was also banned from the store. My wife didn’t know what happened until she called me from the car!

So now as l continue to sit in shock and ponder my next move, ridiculed with guilt and totally ashamed of my actions, l am gravely concerned with the consequences. I am 54 years old and 30 years ago l was convicted with possession. That in itself is another story as l was stopped about a year ago while entering the US and refused entry because l had a 30 year old criminal record! I have since reapplied and now have a temporary visa that has to be renewed every couple of years.

My other concern along with this new situation is that l could be refused a new visa into the US if l have a theft conviction and all of my vendors are US based. This would totally destroy my business and any future plans.

I will be seeking legal advice and l am prepared to pay any restitutions, community service or anything else that l can do, but the thought of a conviction would absolutely destroy me both personally and in business.

Sorry to ramble on as l take full responsibility for my moment of weakness, but can anyone please advise me of what will happen on these shoplifting charges. Thanks for taking time to read this and any advice would be greatly appreciated.

By the way, l live close to Toronto, Canada and l am a Canadian citizen.

Thank you.

LW:confused:

Given the ramifications of conviction, it would be sensible for you to retain a criminal defense lawyer to represent you.