My sister got arrested for shoplifting in Illinois. She is charged with midemeanor. I talked to a couple of lawyers because she is so panicked, she can't think straignt. One of the laywers told me that she should go to trial if necessary, to try to get acquitted, so that nothing will remain on the record. The other one says, that due to the videotapes from the store, she would not get acquitted, so it is better to settle everthing at the court hearing, in which case there is a chance she will get supervision and have to wait 5 years in order to get this off her record, not being able to get a job.
I was wondering if anyone could help me understand the court procedure better. I have heard that pleading guilty is not the best solution, even if she is guitly for it. How should she plead in court? If she pleads not guilty and goes to trial and there are videotapes, would she make her situation worse than if she just accepts the supervision upfront?

Thank you for your help!