Alcohol Retail Theft Illinois

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Illinois

Myself and three other friends were brought into a retail theft case almost two weeks after it happened, we are all over 18. It involved a 750 ml bottle and a 30 case. I was on camera as well as my friend but I was the one in possesion of the cart and left the store with the hand cart. Basically, the officer told my friend (he was the first questioned) we were looking at felonys and scared my friend into going along with this story that we were going into the jewel to get energy drinks and I diverted off and got the alcohol. We were then shown on the video arguing and we leave the store him first, myself second. Then we drive off with the third person driving the car. We all made statements and my friend pretty much convinced me to take the entire blame for the sake of us not getting felonys or jail time. I took the entire blame made my statement and life goes on.

I have a slew of questions for this so thank you to everyone who had the patience to read through. First off, was this felony stuff a scare tactic and all a bunch of bs? Was I smart in sticking with the plan and covering for my friends and taking the entire blame. What will I be facing with court? If I went to rehab when I was 17 and bring this up will it help me in anyway to get out of anything they will throw at me be it fines, probation, record, etc?

Also if I've caught officers in lies is there anything I can do about this. Thanks a bunch everyone.

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Quoting kevfire215

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First off, was this felony stuff a scare tactic and all a bunch of bs?

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Depends on what you stole... but, most likely.

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Was I smart in sticking with the plan and covering for my friends and taking the entire blame.

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We can't answer that.

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What will I be facing with court? If I went to rehab when I was 17 and bring this up will it help me in anyway to get out of anything they will throw at me be it fines, probation, record, etc?

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What do you think telling the judge that rehab doesn't work for you will accomplish?

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Also if I've caught officers in lies is there anything I can do about this.

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This always makes me giggle.

You are a thief, but get all bent out of shape if someone lies to you.

Yes, the police are allowed to lie to you.

Sorry for my ignorance to the law. and i said what was stolen: a handle of svedka and a 30 case of beer. so depending on that how could anything possibly be a felony. they were trying to tell me that in illinois if its premeditated theft they can do something where its a felony...and you obviously haven't been anywhere around treatment to understand what i was saying. im willing to go back to treatment and realize i have a problem and recovery did not work for me the first time (which happens more often than not).

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Quoting kevfire215

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Sorry for my ignorance to the law. and i said what was stolen: a handle of svedka and a 30 case of beer. so depending on that how could anything possibly be a felony. they were trying to tell me that in illinois if its premeditated theft they can do something where its a felony...and you obviously haven't been anywhere around treatment to understand what i was saying. im willing to go back to treatment and realize i have a problem and recovery did not work for me the first time (which happens more often than not).

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Did you bring any tools on your little adventure?

As for the rehab, again, what are you hoping to achieve? I am guessing a quick chorus of "poor baby" followed by another stint?

And what will make it work this time over last?

I didn't bring any tools at all. All my friends knew what was happening and I was just the one who had the alcohol in my hands. As for rehab im 18 and all my friends are leaving/left for college while im stuck where ive been living my entire life. I want to change and start living my life. Im willing to change but its hard for me to do that just by going to aa meetings...in patient feels like the only way that i can regain focus plus i dont have my friends once i leave treatment.

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Quoting kevfire215

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I didn't bring any tools at all. All my friends knew what was happening and I was just the one who had the alcohol in my hands. As for rehab im 18 and all my friends are leaving/left for college while im stuck where ive been living my entire life. I want to change and start living my life. Im willing to change but its hard for me to do that just by going to aa meetings...in patient feels like the only way that i can regain focus plus i dont have my friends once i leave treatment.

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So it is OTHER people's fault you drink?

I guess you weren't paying attention in rehab.... while you should certainly stay away from people that would encourage poor behavior... the onus is still upon you...

I understand you know a lot about law but obviously nothing about treatment specifically youth treatment (#1 things they tell you is to stay away from using friends). Please just disregard the treatment talk and just answer my questions. All I want to know is if this was at all possible to be put down as a felony. also, was I right in taking all the blame or did my friends just get out of fines, probation, etc.

I'm not a lawyer...

Logically, I think you were stupid to take the blame for everyone. Your friends are probably laughing at how they got off so easily.

I also think you would be best to check yourself into rehab BEFORE court.

I also think you'd be better off without those "friends" in your life, period.

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Quoting PandorasBox

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I'm not a lawyer...

Logically, I think you were stupid to take the blame for everyone. Your friends are probably laughing at how they got off so easily.

I also think you would be best to check yourself into rehab BEFORE court.

I also think you'd be better off without those "friends" in your life, period.

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if i check in before though what about my court date which is on the 22nd of september...