Will (or Did) the Police Press Charges
My question involves criminal law for the state of: Illinois
I feel very stupid asking this question, but I'm not sure if I was arrested or not for shoplifting a book from a university bookstore; long story short, my information was taken down by the LP manager, I had to sign 2 forms (one stating that I took the 9.50 book, another for trespassing) and I can't return to the bookstore, and the university police were called as well. However, the LP person said he would not file civil demand (after I told him I'm on financial aid) and when the two (university) police arrived, no mention was made by them of sending me to jail. Instead, they told me about disciplinary action that will be taken by a University committee (either Censure or Internal Probation), then let me go home.
What does this mean? Will charges not be filed with the town I reside in? I'm very remorseful, confused and scared; thoughtful replies are greatly appreciated.
Edit: While we were waiting for the police to show up, the LP person made mention of possible jail time, convictions (suggesting that I try to get into a diversion program) and various other consequences, but admitted that "that's up to the police to decide". Does the fact that the police didn't mention anything along those lines mean that such consequences won't occur?
Re: Will (or Did) the Police Press Charges
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However, the LP person said he would not file civil demand (after I told him I'm on financial aid)
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and when the two (university) police arrived, no mention was made by them of sending me to jail. Instead, they told me about disciplinary action that will be taken by a University committee (either Censure or Internal Probation), then let me go home
Count yourself extremely lucky !!
You dodged two possible ugly situations
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While we were waiting for the police to show up, the LP person made mention of possible jail time, convictions (suggesting that I try to get into a diversion program) and various other consequences, but admitted that "that's up to the police to decide". Does the fact that the police didn't mention anything along those lines mean that such consequences won't occur?
Anything is possible
Diversion ...etc is up to the courts to decide, not PD
Re: Will (or Did) the Police Press Charges
Thank you for your reply...is there any way for me to find out if I was formally charged with a crime? Who would be responsible for this going to court?
Re: Will (or Did) the Police Press Charges
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Quoting
bookended405
Thank you for your reply...is there any way for me to find out if I was formally charged with a crime? Who would be responsible for this going to court?
The local Prosecutor or District Attorney would
be the ones to take this to court
Go to the local PD and see if they have any
pending charges against you