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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Posts
    1

    Default Retail Theft in Illinois

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Illinois.

    I'm 18 years old, and I was just charged with retail theft in IL. This is my first (and last) offense EVER. I have a spotless record, well used to have.

    Two days ago I was stopped coming out of Walmart. The LP said identified herself and said she'd like to speak with me about the unpaid merchandise in my purse. I had taken many items of makeup totalling under $150. I'd known I was totally busted, so I did everything that they said, without question. I hope that since I cooperated I will not be in as much trouble as if I had not. I emptied my purse, and they took my ID. They asked me a bunch of questions and were understandably very rude. They told me that I could not enter ANY walmart in ANY state ever again, or I would be charged with trespassing as a felony. This is understandable and I have accepted that.

    The police were called and they read me my rights. He told me I was under arrest for retail theft. He asked me countless questions, and I told the truth every time. I still had merchandise in my cart in the foyer, so the officer who was questioning me said that he would walk me out to my car so I could place my merchandise in my car while he took me to the station. I was fingerprinted & mug shots were taken. There was no bail posted. He gave me my copy of the citation, with my court date of March 30th. So the officer drove me back to my car at walmart.

    As of now my parents do not know. I'm pretty sure they will kick me out when they find out. It will be in the paper, and Im sure someone at church will say something to my father. This is the stupidest thing I've ever done.

    I plan to plead guilty. I know what I did was wrong, I just want to move forward. I want to pay the penalties and get my life back to normal.

    My questions are:
    I cannot afford a lawyer. How do I get a public defender? Do I need to get one ahead of time, or will the court provide me one at my courtdate?

    What should I expect for punishment? Fines? How much? How much are typical court fees? Can I make payments? How long will I have to pay the fees? Court supervision? Will this always be on my record? What can I do so that it is not on my record?

    PLEASE HELP.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Behind a Desk
    Posts
    98,846

    Default Re: Retail Theft in Illinois

    Ask the court how you would request a court-appointed lawyer. Don't plead guilty before you consult a lawyer - you may be able to avoid a conviction.

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