Shoplifting Misdemeanor

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Illinois

I have a court date tomorrow for a shoplifting misdemeanor which does not exceed 25 dollars.

Not to say that I'm not taking this seriously, but after looking for what consequences to expect, I am extremely worried.

The item lifted was a bottle of alcohol. I purchased items at a cash register, with the bottle in my backpack. Immediately upon walking past the register, I was approached by the cleverly disguised LP.

He asked me the whereabouts of the bottle, to which I said I put it back. He then asked me to "show me where you put it," to which I turned myself in.

I complied with everything including giving my information to the LP, and was arrested/bailed for 100 dollars. This is a first time offense for me, and I was wondering what I should do in court. I have no money for a lawyer, and the only thing I found I should do is request a diversion program and a public defender.

Please help me.

Oh yeah, and I'm 20.

Well, it's a criminal offense. This means you're entitled to a lawyer on the taxpayer's dime. So, I'm guessing tomorrow is your arraignment? Plead not guilty, talk to the public defender and see what he can do.

In the future, don't steal. If you don't follow that, then don't admit to it to the guy who can't arrest you.

"Show me where you put it."

"Find it yourself."

But, stealing is bad. And getting caught is embarrassing.

Under $25? It must not have been anything worthwhile to drink, eh?

Here's a report I wrote up on it in case I needed it:

The crime commited occured at the Jewel-Osco on ******************. Before commiting the attempted theft, I visited the liquor isle three times. During these times, I was attempting to "work myself up" to performing my intentions. On the fourth visit, I picked up a plastic 750 ml bottle of Jim Beam Kentucky straight Bourbon. I believe the price of the item is 12.95 without tax.

Upon taking the item, I walked into the bathroom with the item and defaced it inside of a toilet stall. I removed the magnetic security tag from the outside of the bottle and scraped off the bar code with a set of car keys. I flushed the removed parts down the toilet in the stall and placed the bottle inside of my backpack under some books and a reflective vest.

I then exited the bathroom and walked my cart (with goods) to a cash register. The general manager of the store was staring in my direction. While waiting to be rung up, a disguised LP entered the end of the line. I payed for the items in my cart and started placing them inside of my back pack. At this time, the LP engaged me in conversation.

My recollection:

LP: There was a bottle of liquor in your cart, can you tell me what you did with it?

Me: I put it back.

LP: Alright, can you show me where you put it?

Me: Ahh.. It's in my backpack..

LP: Okay, come with me.

The LP then took my backpack and escorted me into the back room. He then searched the backpack and with my aid, found the defaced merchandise. I complied with giving the LP and the GM my information (Drivers Liscense information, social security number) and awaited arrest.

Quote:

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Quoting ashman165

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Well, it's a criminal offense. This means you're entitled to a lawyer on the taxpayer's dime. So, I'm guessing tomorrow is your arraignment? Plead not guilty, talk to the public defender and see what he can do.

In the future, don't steal. If you don't follow that, then don't admit to it to the guy who can't arrest you.

"Show me where you put it."

"Find it yourself."

But, stealing is bad. And getting caught is embarrassing.

Under $25? It must not have been anything worthwhile to drink, eh?

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Turning myself in was the most embarassing part. I couldn't believe I said that. Ok, so do not plead guilty?

Well, you're given an attorney for free. You'd be a bit foolhearty not to take advantage of it by pleading not guilty and talking to him/her.

You can always plead guilty later if it comes to that.

But it's much harder to change from not guilty to guilty than it is the other way around.

Also, attorneys literally waste 6 years of their lives learning and waiting for the day to help you get the best possible deal from the man.

Well, Jim Beam? I can't deny I heart my bourbon. But I was raised in the south; it's required by law there that I have a liking for it.

Bourbon is where it's at. I do want the best deal, but I don't want to try and weasle my way out of it. Or at least make it look that way. Perhaps I can chat with the public defender before having him represent me on a 50:50 stance?

Perhaps if frogs could hop . . .

I don't know how it's done where you are, but in these parts, we farm out the PD work to firms. You get a list of instructions about, basically, you're the scum of the earth. Call us with your case number and we'll condescend to speak to you for about 3 minutes on a date that's least convenient for you. You may not ask to speak with any attorney in the office. You'll come in, sit, shut up and be directed.

At the next conference meeting, it'll be with a different attorney who hasn't yet read your case.

At the time of the trial, it'll be at least a third attorney who hasn't read your case yet.

Basically, in Washington, defendants' right to a lawyer is more an illusion than a reality.

But, I suppose a 3 minute conversation is better than none.

Well.. shit.

I'd much prefer that all the crap be taken care of immediately, as the courthouse is pretty far away. I think I'll spare my time, plead guilty and hope for the best. Can I get the diversion program if I plead guilty?

That's a question to ask your attorney who will have the facts of the case to answer for you.