Can I avoid a trial?

Depending on your personal circumstances, your criminal record, whether you were working at the store that you are alleged to have stolen from, and the value of what was stolen, people charged with theft under may be eligible to have the charge diverted.

Generally, to have a charge diverted, the person charged will have to perform a specific amount of community service hours, make a charitable donation, or attend a lecture on shoplifting. While you do not have to formally admit your guilt, occasionally you may have to acknowledge responsibility for the actions that led to you being charged. This is why it is important to speak to a lawyer before your first court appearance (click HERE to speak with a lawyer about your charge).

If you worked for the company you are accused of stealing from, the chances of being offered diversion are slim. This is because you are being accused of breaching the trust of the company that employed you by stealing from them. A lawyer can discuss this with you and can help you determine whether diversion is at all possible.