Shoplift charge at WalMart

[messedmylife]

Hi,
I got charged with shoplifting at walmart last week. Police were called, fingerprinted, released on bail - $100. My court date is in a month from now. What are my options?
- Is it possible to contact the LP at walmart for out-of-court settlement? has anybody experienced it?
- What would be my punishment, I am in cook county, IL, with no prior arrest record. My prior record has been clean and am in immigrant. Please help.

[Dontshoplift]

I know you and I have been chatting in private messages but I didn't realise your theft was from Walmart. Absolutely do not try to contact Walmart or their LP guy. It's walmarts policy to press charges for any theft over $3 in Illinois. That can be used against you in court. Also, pay the civil demand walmart sends they can be nasty if you don't. I know for a fact because I avoided their first letter they sent and talked to one of their employees on the phone when I called the number on their second letter. For a $14 item they charged me $250. They said thats their flat rate for Illinois and it's their right to collect it. My lawyer said I could let it go and if they took it to court I could fight it and easily win, but I'd be chancing they'd put it on my credit report ( one more thing on my record I don't want) and I'd be paying a lawyer to fight it. Not worth it in my honest opinion.

[messedmylife]

DontShoplift, yes we did talk in private message. Thanks a lot for responding. Do the LP and proof of theft be presented on the first court date? What are my chances of pleading not guilty?
It all happened because, I was scared and paranoid that security would caught me tearing the battery ($56) package. It never happened before. When I think of the event now, I feel so stupid that I did not throw the battery in the store and walk out with the merchandise I purchased.

[FrankieFigs]

Since it is a small case, and you are in Cook County, you really don't have much to worry about. Most likely the prosecutor will offer you court supervision if you plead guilty. This just means don't get in trouble for the length of time they assign it to you (typically 6 months to one year) and your record will go away. You will probably get a small fine, more than likely $100, and possibly have to attend a shoplifting diversion class. About the immigration thing, you have nothing to worry about. I have apprehended illegals before who don't get sent back. I am an LP who works in Cook County and have dealt with these cases hundreds of times, nothing major.

[messedmylife]

Thanks FrankieFigs, I have this concern. Do the LP and evidence are presented during the first day in court? what happens if we plead not guilty? when do we normally get a second court date.
thanks again.