Caught for Retail Theft $75 in Illinois

New Hampshire resident visiting family in IL. Caught by LP with Merchandise of $75 in a big chain store. First time offender in IL. No previous record whatsoever (clean and empty). Would never do this again.

LP told me if cooperative, no police would be called. I did cooperate and after I signed all the confession paper and promissary notes that I would not step into the store for another two years, police were called in. I requested to speak to an attorney, but that fell on a deaf ear. Got detained in the police station for an hour-photographed, figure printed, and handcuffed. Charged with a misdemeanor.

Consulted with many attorneys and got the following:

1. I wont go to jail for practical purposes.
2. Likely get supervision or dismissal, fine, and theft education.
3. Eligible for expungement.

Questions:

1. Court date is next month. What should I expect? Should I retain an attorney? In this case, the attorney will negotiate with prosecutor before court appearance and reach a deal possibly?

Otherwise, should I expect a public defender be assigned to me by the court if I am eligible? would that come after I plea not guilty? This process sounds like a black box to me. Would appreciate it if someone can elaborate more.

2. Record expungement. Does this mean all records, be it an arrest or finger print, will be destroyed? I understand that after expungement future employers wont see anything, but what about police officers?

Thanks,

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1. Court date is next month. What should I expect? Should I retain an attorney? In this case, the attorney will negotiate with prosecutor before court appearance and reach a deal possibly?

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Yes you should consult a criminal defense Attorney not doing so could cause you more problems

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2. Record expungement. Does this mean all records, be it an arrest or finger print, will be destroyed? I understand that after expungement future employers wont see anything, but what about police officers?

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After you follow my advice and consult with an Attorney ask the Attorney about diversion which will help avoid a conviction on your record and keep you from an expensive expungment.

You have consulted with many lawyers. Either retain one of them, go with a public defender or, if you so desire, go it alone and see what happens. You would request a public defender before you enter a guilty plea. Ask at the courthouse about the application procedure.