Legal Question in Criminal Law in Illinois

I worked at an undisclosed finacial institution. There was some malpractice involving false account activations, to achieve bonus incentives associated with payroll and quota's deemed by the organization to be fufilled. Upon my discharge from the company the charge was to be originally a felony charge, though shortly after the same day there was a proposal to lower the charges to a class a misdemeanor if I had surrendered an estimated two thousand dollars to the company for lost funds due to the activity that had taken place. There was not a legal representative with me at the time of the negotiation nor did I contact one before coming to the conclusion to agree. My question is that if I were now to speak with or contact a laywer to assist in my case. Are these terms that were agreed upon set in stone, also there were no papers that had been signed by me other than the money order to pay for the requested sum and the arresting paperwork. I also feel it necessary to add that this is my first offense in reguards to theft as a whole. I guess basically what im looking for here is an indication of the sentences that may be associated with my case. I understand that the maximum penalty by law for this offense is 365 days served and/or up to $2500. I just dont want to serve time and its really beginning to play on my plans of my life. Is there any suggestions or information that anyone can share with me that may to a certain degree put my mind at ease? I dont even know what category of law this applies to so this may even be in the wrong area of questions. Though any insight would be greatly appreciated.


Asked on 4/11/10, 7:48 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Sal Sheikh www.BetterCallSal.com

I'm not quite sure if you have actually been charged yet?

You've obviously spoken with someone on the Prosecutorial side of the "v", most likely a Police Officer.

I advise you to retain counsel. The Police have no control over what the state will charge you with. The State may can always "amend" the charges later after reviewing the police report.

Also, a "theft" crime is a crime of dishonesty, that may forever mark not only your criminal record, but your employment record too. Lending credence to the idea that you may not be the most trustworthy employee, better to hire the next person.

I would advise you to seek the counsel of an attorney.

If you are in the Chicagoland area feel free to contact me.

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Answered on 4/16/10, 8:08 am
Joseph Michelotti Michelotti & Associates, Ltd.

You have big problems. You need to contact a lawyer right away. The bank or the police have no right to set charges only the state's attorney can do that. Based on your representations it is a Felony.

If you are convicted of a Felony, you can never be bonded, you can never work in any kind of financial job, you can never vote.

You have substantial rights that need to be protected.

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Answered on 4/16/10, 8:24 am


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