Caught Shoplifting for the First Time in Illinois
So I was at JCPenny and being stupid... I stole an item worth $20.
(I'm 18 by the way) I was stopped when I was leaving the store by LP and brought to a room where police was called and I had my picture taken, information written down and all of that. I had to sign some papers and they explained that I was going to have to pay for the item and have to pay some fines having to do with the civil action. They gave me a ticket and a court date.
I was stupid and I wasnt thinking... I know I was doing something wrong, and it was my first time taking anything from any store or being in trouble with the law at all. I'm so embarrassed and ashamed I dont know what to do
My questions are:
1) Does anyone know what's going to happen when I go to court?
2) Do I plead guilty, no contest or not guilty?
3) Is this offense going to be on my record forever? Is it possible for me to do anything about it so that it doesnt show up on my records?
4) is my current employer going to find out?
5) Should I consult a public attorney?
6) Any estimate on how much the fines are?
Any other advice?
The police officer was very nice, and spoke to me ass if I was a human being. He mentioned how I was being cooperative and all that so I suppose he knew I felt some remorse. I thought I was going to get screamed and lectured at, which... I would have accepted as well because I know I deserved it knowing where my head was at.
Re: Caught Shoplifting for the First Time in Illinois
I strongly recommend consulting with an attorney. Misdemeanors are not anything to sneeze at.
1. The crystal ball is out of service.
2. Unless you have legal counsel as to the impact of pleading otherwise, always plead not guilty.
3. If convicted, yes it is forever. No expunction of actual convictions in Illinois.
4. Who knows. It's possible, it's public information. I found out my son had been arrested for shoplifting when I googled him to look up his mailing address.
5. If you are indigent and can not afford an attorney, you can ask for a public defender. Public defenders are not some default for those unwilling to pay for an attorney. You can get one if you qualify by asking at your court date. They will assign one (there will be one "on duty" typically there). You case is sure to be continued at that point.
6. Fine can be up to $2500 and you could also get a year in jail (unlikely).
Other advice? Sure. Consult an attorney. Many counties in Illinois also have Shoplifting diversion programs. If you can get into one of these you will take some courses and do a period of probation but if you succeed you will avoid a criminal record.
In addition, the store may also independently send you a demand for damages (unrelated to the criminal charge).
The cop is not responsible for screaming or lecturing. The judge may do that, still (well not scream unless you act like an ass in court, but I've seen plenty of judges lecture).
Re: Caught Shoplifting for the First Time in Illinois
1. No one here knows.
2. Are you guilty or not guilty? The judge or magistrate will explain what those pleas mean legally, but did you do it or not? If you did it, grow up and be an adult and take responsibility.
3. Yes it will be on your record.
4. No one here knows the answer to this. Will your current employer be looking?
5. You can only get a "public" attorney if you are indigent, and you'll need to prove that.
6. No one here can possibly know the answer to this. Fines and costs vary from state to state and even court to court.
Other advice? STOP STEALING.
Re: Caught Shoplifting for the First Time in Illinois
Hey, I saw you post on my forum so I decided to post here incase you don't see the answer on mine.
Same thing happened to me at Best Buy they had camera footage and everything. I'll tell you how the court was for me.
It's not just all about you there is many other people there, they will ask you if you are guilty or not Infront of the court, For myself I said "I'd like to speak to the prosecutor"
I waited until the prosecutor called me up and that's when they informed me of an offer of community service, good behavior, and a tour of a prison. After that is completed there will be no record of the incident.
That's my personal experience, follow it if you choose hope all works out and overall when I went Infront of the judge it took less then 5 minutes. I am supposed to go back after all is done my community service but if I finish within 30 days I do not have to go back to court.
Good luck!
Re: Caught Shoplifting for the First Time in Illinois
Quote:
Quoting
OutHere05
I waited until the prosecutor called me up and that's when they informed me of an offer of community service, good behavior, and a tour of a prison. Good luck!
You should get a tour alright. You should get to stay there 2 or 3 days. That might actually make an impression. That's what I love about courts around here - even in this fairly large urban area, there are definitely judges that will lock you up for shoplifting, even if it's only for 2 or 3 days.
Re: Caught Shoplifting for the First Time in Illinois
Sorry guys forgot to fill in that I'm from New Hampshire!
Re: Caught Shoplifting for the First Time in Illinois
New Hampshire is a far cry from Illinois.
Re: Caught Shoplifting for the First Time in Illinois
Well I posted this to the person who made this post since they asked me my experience on mine, just was making sure they saw, that's all