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No matter the reason, no matter how small of a thing it may seem, shoplifting is a crime by the law of Canada. If you or a close friend or family were caught shoplifting in Toronto and you are facing charges for it, read the tips below.
Shoplifting Is a Crime and You Will Face Consequences for It
Unlike other small misdemeanors, such as speeding or trespassing, shoplifting is a crime, and it will get into your record. According to a Toronto theft lawyer, depending on the gravity of your crime, you can be punished by receiving a fine, going to jail or doing community service. Committing a crime also goes into your criminal record, which could affect your future in more than one way.
If you are not in this situation yet, but it is likely to be happening, try to think of ways you can convince the owners of the shop not to press charges.
The More Things You Shoplift, the Worse It Will Be
Canadian law makes the difference between stealing a thing of small value and stealing something more consistent. It is also flexible with whether you are at your first offense or not, the punishment being worse when you repeat the offense.
If you have shoplifted before, expect to go to jail at least for a short time, although it is not mandatory.
You Can Be Pardoned
Canadian law is flexible enough to work for the citizen. If it’s the first time you are stealing from a store and if you have justifiable reasons for doing it, the court can remove the charges if you prove them that you are willing to clean up your act and repay the society somehow.
That can mean doing community service, donating a certain amount to a charity, writing an apology letter or going to counseling. The conditions for your pardon will depend on the reasoning behind your criminal act. The beauty of this approach is that it aims to find the deep reason that led to shoplifting in the first place and rehabilitate you into not going back to it.
How It Affects You on the Long Term
You may steal something from a store because you are hungry or you need it and don’t have the money to buy it. You may do it to get back at an annoying clerk. Or maybe it gives you a thrill that makes you feel alive. Maybe it finances a substance addiction. The reasons can be so different from one person to another.
No matter the reason though, you must always remember that any small thing that goes on your record can affect your future in many ways, limiting your traveling, your possibility of employment, and so on.
It Can Be Removed from Your Record
If this is your main concern, the good news is that the crime can be removed from your criminal record. Charges can be dropped if you prove to be a case with no danger to society and that you regret the crime and are willing to repair the damage. After some time, the charges are removed, and you can have all the lost privileges back.
If you have a habit of shoplifting or if you feel that it may be the symptom to a bigger issue, don’t hesitate to ask for help. For compulsive shoplifters, there’s concealing and group therapy that can help tremendously. If you can’t afford therapy, ask if public insurance covers any programs.
If you do it because you need food or other things, don’t hesitate to apply for social welfare and to check where charities carry their activities. You deserve to survive without having to steal for it.
If you need a lawyer in Toronto, try finding one that has experience with shoplifting cases and help him prepare your defense. Good luck!
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This content is sponsored by Ben Obirek.
Photo: iStockPhoto