My question involves criminal law for the state of: Illinois
What to do about Ordinance Violation Retail Theft in Illinois?
This incident occurred in Illinois in a grocery store. I took $12 of merchandise, I know it was a stupid mistake, and got apprehended by the store security. The cops were called and I gave my personal information to security (name, phone number, address), but not my SSN. I didn't sign any papers, but the cop gave me a non-traffic ordinance violation for retail theft. I've been told by many attorneys that this is just a small infraction and it wouldn't show up on background checks and that this small infraction shouldn't affect future jobs that I apply for and that I shouldn't worry. I didn't get fingerprinted or sent to the Police station for mugshots, but I did get a picture taken from the store for future use. I basically can't go into that grocery store for another year or else I'll be cited for trespassing.
Well what happened was I pled "Not Guilty" at my first court hearing and am currently going to Pre-trial. I'm nervous since this is my first ever incident that has caused me so much stress and I'm worrying financially because I'm not sure how I'm going to be able to pay this ticket off, pay off my rent and pay for college books/tuition. It was an honest mistake and I regret doing it!
I have a few questions regarding my incident:
1) What can I expect from my Pre-trial? Will the District Attorney be someone who has no mercy over petty shoplifters and wants to make an example of them, or will s/he allow me to take a theft class and dismiss my case? (This is my first time EVER going into court, do notice).
2) The grocery store notified me that I was going to receive a civil demand notice which I haven't gotten one yet. They told me the amount was going to equate to approximately $250. Should I pay this? I'm extremely poor and out of money since I'm working at a full-time job working 40 hour weeks paying off rent and my school loans and spending the rest of my spare time studying for classes as a full-time enrolled student.
3) Will this show up on background checks and affect my employment options? I'm really looking into working in the medical field and becoming a Surgeon. My GPA is at a 3.85 and I'm in my third year of college. I've received four scholarships which totaled $10,000, but this only covers SOME of my tuition and I'm seriously in need of advice.
If there are any Law experts or someone willing to help me out here, please do! Thank you.


