The client, a high School teacher was charged with shoplifting. While the allegations were straightforward, the matter was complicated by the fact that S.B. had been charged with the same offence one year earlier. While the client wanted nothing more than to plead guilty and put the matter behind him, our office insisted that he provide us an opportunity for meaningful resolution discussions with the Crown’s office. Ultimately, the client made a charitable donation to a Calgary animal shelter. As a result the client was spared a criminal record.