Legal Question in Criminal Law in Illinois

I was charged with retail theft and was arrested. I was given a citation and a notice to appear in court. It is my first offense and my crime is consider a misdmeanor. I cannot hire a lawyer and I don't want my husband to find out about this stupid thing I've done. I was thinking of writing a letter to the judge explaining my situation and asking for forgiveness. What kind of punishment I'm I looking at? I'm married with two small children and I'm stay at home mom. I'm currently taking care of my Grandmother who is dying of lung cancer.


Asked on 9/30/12, 1:37 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael R. Nack Michael R. Nack, Attorney at Law

If you cn not afford an attorney, then you have the right to appear in Coourt on your Court date. You do not need to write the Judge a letter. depending upon the exact charge, your history, and the facts of the case, the State's Attorney (prosecutor) may be willing to speak with you and agree to a plea bargain under which you might be placed on Supervison to avoid a conviction. You may be required to attend a program on shoplifitng or complete other conditions of being on Supervison. The advantage to Supervison is that a conviction will not be entered on your record. If the State's Attorney is not willing to make a deal with you, then you have two options: go to trial or plead guilty and ask the Judge to grant you Supervison.

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Answered on 9/30/12, 2:37 pm


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