Caughts Shoplifting a $4 Item in Winners Vancouver

[Zainab]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Vancouver, British Columbia Canada

I'm 21 years old. I have been in Vancouver for about 4 months. I was caught stealing a $3.99 hairspray in Winners Vancouver. The officer took me in and wrote down my information and made me sign a letter. He also said they the police might come to my place and ask me some questions. And he let me go.
What happens next?? Does this go on my permanent record? How much would i have to pay? Will they really charge me for $4?
Im really scared! Please help.

[LawResearcherMissy]

We handle US law only here, as noted in both the registration and posting forms.

For matters of Canadian law, you might try here.

[Security Consultant]

Yes they can and may very well charge you for a $4 theft. In Vancouver the charge is "Theft under $5,000". There is no such thing as a shoplifting charge. The punishment is 2years incarceration for a conviction and there is no minimum fine or jail term.

You may be eligible for the Alternative Measures program and I highly recommend you contact an attorney to explore this with the prosecutor. In British Columbia, the Crown Council urges prosecutors to follow through with theft charges as the belief is that it will help deter others and repeat offenders.

Here is the U.S. shoplifting is fast becoming a minor offense in many areas and it is often resolved as a minor offense with a ticket with a penalty much like a parking ticket with no record - not so in British Columbia.