A young man was caught by the security guards of Simons department store supposedly committing a shoplifting offence with an accomplice. Police were called in to arrest them and gave the suspects a court date on theft charges (Section 334 Criminal Code). The defendant also received a $ 500 civil claim in the mail from the store. He hired our law firm to have a criminal lawyer represent him.
After analyzing the case, we decided to submit a request to the Prosecutor to support the client’s acceptance to undergo a program to deal non judicially with this offence (diversion program). This program applies on certain conditions to persons committing their first offence. In this case, the client’s chances of being accepted into the program were reduced because there was an accomplice present at the time of the offence.
A few days before the Court date, we contacted the Prosecutor to discuss the case. The Prosecutor finally decided not to lay charges, while having the courtesy to mention that our request had influenced his decision.
Not all our criminal lawyers’ clients can benefit from the non-legal treatment program. See notice.
