Like with any crime, the offence’s degree of severity is taken into consideration. If you say, impulsively steal a pack of gum, you will be tried differently than someone who has premeditatedly gone into a store and stole a large number of pricey items. However, theft is still theft and it will more than likely lead to a conviction that will stay on your record and could prevent you from obtaining potential jobs or renting a property. 

Throughout this article, we will go through both the long and short term consequences of shoplifting. 

Short Term Consequences

Shoplifting is considered a form of theft and is therefore seen as a crime. The consequences of your shoplifting are down to the establishment you had stolen from, they will decide if they want to press charges or not. If you are charged, you will be arrested, your fingerprints will be taken and it will permanently go on to your criminal record. 

Even if you are caught stealing the smallest of objects, like a pack of gum, it is considered a summary conviction and you can be charged with theft under $5000 and you could face a fine, imprisonment, or both. 

Long Term Consequences

After you have been convicted of shoplifting the charge, the conviction, fingerprints, and any other documentation surrounding the case will remain on your criminal record permanently. That means all of the information regarding the shoplifting is viewable to anyone who requests a criminal record check. Even if you weren’t convicted of shoplifting, all of the documentation will still remain on your criminal record.  

The only scenario that would result in the shoplifting not remaining on your record permanently is if you were a minor at the time of the charge. 

Having any documentation on your criminal record regarding a shoplifting charge, convicted or not, will result in you possibly being denied jobs or property rental that requires a criminal record check. Having a messy criminal record can even prevent you from travelling to the US. 

How to Have Convictions Removed

Having a criminal record can really affect your day to day life and prevent you from doing many things you would otherwise be able to do. Should one impulsive decision you made in the past follow you for the rest of your life? Luckily, it doesn’t have to. 

If you have a conviction on your criminal record, it has been 5 years since the offence and you have completed your sentence in full, including any fines, prison time, or any other court-mandated obligations, you could be eligible for a pardon. A pardon will remove a conviction from your criminal record so you can move on from your past mistakes. 

If you have a criminal record and it is affecting your day to day life; a pardon is the best solution. Contact Pardon Canada at 1 (800) 543-2137 for professional assistance and expert advice.

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