Facing an investigation-and jail time in Canada
Im a middle aged woman who recently reported to a social services program that I owed them some money from a mistake aI made in reporting. I thought it would be the right thing to do and that i would pay it back. The admission lead to a review of my file and I found out I may have been breaking another rule that I did not know about, for years. That is to say I had an asset that may disqualify me and I did not know it. Ive researched what this means and it means I could be charged with fraud over $5000. and because it was ten years, it looks really bad. I have retained a lawyer, but all lawyers ive talked to, including him, say they don't help a client explain things in the pre-charge phase, they only work with you once there are charges. That is to say, they don't work with clients to explain to the agency that these were honest mistakes. They tell you to keep your mouth shut and they help you once the charges come
I have a documented mental illness (schizophrenia) that played a role in my improper follow up with this agency. In fact, at the time, I had a serious delusion that I had bugs coming out of my skin, something I was obsessed with 24/7 for about 3 years. There is a doctor shortage here and I had no gp, I attempted to self medicate and while I did so, I didn't keep track of reporting things I should have.
I guess it may sound like I am making excuses. I kind of am, but I am kind of not. The reality is, I'll be looking at charges. Can people in this position tell me how they face that prospect. Im not asking for legal advice, but advice on how to cope with a) being a criminal when you didn't think that would happen b) dealing with waiting, the not knowing. I;m female, I have psychiatric issues, and Im in canada.
I am especially interested in the advice of anyone who has gone through this process. What it's like admitting to yourself you did something wrong and that you have to face a system. A scary system that isn't going to pander to my illness. Ive looked at case law with similaries to mine and Id say because it was over 10 years Im looking at 2 years of prison. Sure, that may not happen. But how do I cope with the next year or so while they investigate and I wait and just have it hanging over my head.