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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Posts
    6

    Default Shoplifting and have received no notices. Now what?

    I think I should start this post with a mention that I am from Canada. I realize that laws differ greatly between states - nevermind countries, but I haven't found any similar Canadian websites and would appreciate ANY sort of advice.

    On June 9, I was caught shoplifting at a Canadian store similar to Wal-mart. I had taken three cosmetic items, and I estimate the total retail value to be about $55. However, while the LPO was looking through my items, he took a cosmetic item of my own because it scanned through ($7 retail). This item was something I purchased months earlier (it was clearly used), but he did not believe me and I wasn't about to argue with him about it.

    I'm 20, and this is my first offense. However I admit this is not the first time I've shoplifted. I shoplifted many times when I was around 15. This is the first time in several years though and while I was with the LPO I broke down and started crying. He was fairly nice to me, though he did tell me many times that he didn't think this was my first time and that I would get a criminal record. He filled out some papers (with details such as my name, age, address, physical appearance) and called the police. I'm not sure what this police call was about, but I think he was verifying my information because I had no ID on me. I then signed an agreement to not return to the store for 6 months, was photographed, and then released. He told me that I would receive a notice telling me to go to the police station for photographing and fingerprinting, as well as a court date. He didn't say when I would receive these notices, if they were through mail or officer, or if they were together/separate.

    A week after the incident, I voluntarily sought therapy. I've been going to sessions weekly. I have a 9-year history of bipolar disorder, and was on medication for it for a few years. I stopped medication and therapy when I was 16 because I thought it was under control, though in the past year it's been getting worse. While it's not an excuse, I think that it did have an influence since I get spending and stealing urges while manic. I feel incredibly ashamed, pathetic, and sorry for what I did. I want to continue therapy and resume medication to ensure that I never even consider doing anything like this again.

    It has been over three weeks since that day with the LPO, and I've received nothing from the police or courts. I'm wondering how long do these things generally take? My parents think that they might not be pressing charges, but the LPO sounded quite serious. Is there any likelihood that they have decided not to press charges? Is it too premature to contact a lawyer? Also I'll like to add that I'm a university student in a professional program. I will not be able to continue my degree if I have a criminal record.

    I'm sorry for the long post, but I'll appreciate any sort of insight.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    663

    Default Re: Shoplifting and have received no notices. Now what?

    Several others put the same thing dealing with the wait. It will take some time because it happens a lot and is not a felony.

    Try and get an attorney when they give you a call. Ask your attorney if he can get it dimissed if you do good on probation.

    The LPO probably did believe you about the $7 cosmetic item. He probably just wanted to make it harder for you.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Posts
    6

    Default Re: Shoplifting and have received no notices. Now what?

    Thank you so much for your reply!

    It's been exactly one month since my shoplifting incident, and I haven't received anything yet. I have contacted a lawyer through a legal service my dad's work offers, and should be getting a call tomorrow morning. I'm on pins and needles, and hopefully speaking with a lawyer will help a bit.

    Is it common for the LPO to NOT call in the police at the time of arrest? The LPO threatened to call the police if I did not cooperate while I was detained, but I was fully cooperative. He did however still say that I would be going to court and getting a criminal record.

    I'll keep this post updated as my situation progresses.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Posts
    6

    Default Re: Shoplifting and have received no notices. Now what?

    Also, if this does proceed to court - would it be beneficial to mention that I'm actively seeking counselling? Or that I have a long history of bipolar disorder and am now receiving treatment? I am seeing a psychiatrist and have been prescribed two medications.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Posts
    6

    Default Re: Shoplifting and have received no notices. Now what?

    It has been over a month now and I still haven't received any notices.

    I spoke with a lawyer last weekend. He told me that people usually receive an appearance notice two weeks after the incident, though sometimes it's delayed. He was surprised that I haven't received anything yet, and said that if I don't get anything by the three month mark I can breathe a little more easily. The statute of limitations for this kind of crime in Canada is six months. I had no ID on me when I was detained, and he said that the police might not proceed because of that.

    If I do go to court, he seemed confident that I could plea bargain and receive a conditional discharge. I would have to do community service and be on probation, but upon completion of that I would have a clean record. He said my age, clean record, current schooling (I'm in dentistry), and the fact I'm receiving counseling will help me.

    I plan on getting a second opinion since he seemed a little unsure about some things and a little overly confident about others. I'll appreciate any thoughts here as well.

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