Caught shoplifting, didn't go to court, now what happens?

Question

Yes I know, heard it before...not me but someone I know. Actually, I don't know them, but know their parents.
Ok, this is in Canada. They were caught shoplifting, taken to the local police and charged. Released after paying $500 and told to come back to court in about a month. This was in another province they were visiting. They never went back to court. So our questions are...Would the police "come get them?", put out a warrant for them, and if they apply for a passport, will they get it? I know, lots of questions, but I told them I would look it up.

Answer 1

In the US the judge would file a "bench warrant" to have them picked up by the police. As for a passport that would probably depend more on how quickly records are updated.

Answer 2

Tell your pal that he can't run away from the shoplifting charge.......the court will issue a warrant for his arrest for failure to appear and he will be arrested and locked up until he can be brought before the court.

If the police can't find him....the court can order his $500. bail to be forfeit. That means that the money is GONE...LOST ...and IF he gets bail after he's arrested, it will be a LOT higher.....and the court can even set a "no bail" on him. Yeah, that would be unusual for shoplifting, but they can do it.

Tell your pal that he can get arrested anywhere....anytime. On a motor vehicle stop for running a red light.....or even at the airport when he's getting on a plane to go on vacation....or if he's at the lake fishing and the Game Warden stops him.

The best thing he can do is straighten this matter out NOW...or he'll be arrested later and than will get sentenced for the bench warrant IN ADDITION TO the shoplifting charge.

Be a man and do the right thing...or he can start looking over his shoulder all the time and jump out of his skin every time there's a knock at the door.

***

Answer 3

It's a minor crime. No, they cannot get a passport, and probably cannot cross the border. That $500 sounds suspiciously like a fine though, it may just be a misdemenor. Usually you get a court date, I never heard of come back "in about a month" when dealing with a court.

It is unlikely to be pursued, although there could be a warrent out for them in that province. The only thing I am sure about is the passport. I would recommend contacting the courthouse to find out where things stand.

-Dio

Answer 4

Yes there is a warrant for them and yes they will probably try and serve the warrant and I doubt very much if they will be able to get a passport especially since it is Canada because they are pretty strict.

Answer 5

I would imagine there would be a warrant out for their arrest; however, it seems unlikely that anyone would be sent to get them for what is a relatively minor crime when (I'm sure) most law enforcement personnel have far more important things to do. Should they ever get pulled over for a traffic stop, however, they're likely to end up in jail.

Answer 6

There is a warrant out for your arrest. You sentence won't be handled lightly cause you made the judge upset.

Answer 7

When they do find you, You will be charged with failure to
appear. And thats a Good for 60 days on top of the shoplifting
charge!

Answer 8

Maybe they will issue a warrant for your arrest. If its a felony , a passport may be denied..

Answer 9

I had that project that the cashier did not ring the cardboard earlier she positioned it interior the bag. on the door, while they checked the receipt, and it replace into not on it, I have been given truly scared too. yet while that's real which you particularly forgot it, you may desire to have no issues. purely be beneficial and all will circulate properly.

Answer 10

A warrent has already been issued for this person's arrest. Best thing to do is to turn themself in.