My question involves criminal law for the state of: Illinois.
Hello, first let me say thank you ahead of time if anyone can offer me advice.
I was caught shoplifting last month, April 22nd at a Kmart. I took three items worth around 30$ and tried to walk out of the store, a loss prevention guard stopped me. I handed the items back to him and we walked to the back of the store to the security office. He gave me a choice to participate in a "Crime Accountability Program." And that if I participated, police would not be called, and a shoplifting charge would not show up on my record for employers to see. I agreed. The cost of the program is 467$. (I'm supposed to pay, and then take the program from my home computer.)
The problem is, I'm having trouble coming up with the money for this program. They told me I could participate if I paid 1/3 of the total cost, I was given a 3 week extension to pay. I do not have a job and I can't even pay the partial cost right now. I'm worried abouwhat will happen if I cannot take this program. I realize the store can choose to sue me, can I also be sent to jail as well? I just want to get an idea of what will happen if I am unable to pay and participate in this "Crime Accountability Program" at this point.
Also I should mention that I signed a paper before leaving the store. Here are some of the conditions of the agreement:
"I understand that I have been detained by this retail establishment for committing an act of theft underthe laws of this state."
"I voluntarily admit responsibility for committing or attempting to commit this act of theft against thisretailer and know it was wrong. I understand that, should I fail to complete this program as agreed, thisadmission may be used against me in both civil and criminal proceedings."
"I understand that if I complete all CAP requirements the retailer will NOT pursue criminal charges againstme and I will NOT have to go to court. However, the local police may be notified of this incident fordocumentation purposes only. I further understand that should I fail to complete all requirements asagreed, this incident may be referred to law enforcement, the prosecutor or the court to be handledthrough the traditional criminal process for this jurisdiction. I agree that if I fail to register for the programand charges are filed against me, I will appear in court upon a notice to appear mailed via U.S. mail tothe address provided to the retailer."
Thank you.

