What's the Penalty for Shoplifting in Illinois

[teeny]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: IL

The total amount of stuff stolen was $117. It's my first offense and I'm over the age of 18.

The police told me I would most likely have to pay fines/community service, but no jail time.

What should I do? What will the punishment be?

[cbg]

At the risk of stating the obvious, call a lawyer.

[LawResearcherMissy]

And to expand on cbg's excellent advice, if you can't afford a private lawyer, plead Not Guilty at your arraignment, and ask for a Public Defender.

Either sort of counsel can likely get you into a diversion program.

[Security Consultant]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: IL

The total amount of stuff stolen was $117. It's my first offense and I'm over the age of 18.

The police told me I would most likely have to pay fines/community service, but no jail time.

What should I do? What will the punishment be?

Nobody here knows exactly what your punishment will be. If the amount is actually under $150., then the offense is a Class A misdemeanor. The possible sentence includes up to one year in jail and fine of $2,500. In Illinois, a conviction for this offense cannot be expunged or sealed. Your best bet is to NOT get a conviction for theft.