Law firm offers free service to people caught stealing groceries
An Ontario law firm is offering pro bono services to first-time offenders who have been arrested for stealing groceries.
On Monday, We Defend You Legal Services shared an Instagram post saying they will defend those who have been arrested for shoplifting food from a grocery store at no cost.
“My thing is people who are not motivated by greed or gain, if it’s for necessity, if you’ve just fallen on hard times, just had a horrible day, or just made a bad mistake, we’re going to defend you pro bono,” licensed paralegal, Frank Alfano, told CTV News Toronto Friday.
“We’re not going to charge money for someone who stole a carton of eggs or a loaf of bread. If they can’t afford the eggs or the bread, they can’t afford us, and they’re the ones who need the most help.”
First-time offenders in the GTA are the only ones who can qualify for these pro bono services, and the total value of stolen goods has to be less than $5,000.
ace per Canada’s Criminal Codethose who are found guilty of theft under $5,000 can serve up to two years in prison.
To avoid jail time, Alfano says those charged can complete diversion programs in lieu of formal prosecution, like making a charitable donation, completing community service, or writing an apology letter since this theft is considered “minor in nature.
“Once they’ve completed the requirements of their diversion program, the case is withdrawn,” he said. “It’s a way of diverting the case out of the court system. It’s recognition that we’re treating the offender, not punishing the crime .”
While the Instagram post is new, Alfano says he has been offering pro bono services for this type of charge for years.
“The reason I’ve been doing them for free