Legal Question in Criminal Law in Illinois

may be charged with retail theft, first offense, what do i do?

I was recently arrested at my work and charged with retail theft, a class a misdemeaner in Illinois. This is my first offense and I have nothing on my record, not even a traffic violation. I'm a freshman in college and wanted to major in Criminal Law, and possibly become a probation officer. I am wondering if I end up with a conviction on my record if I should change my major now of if I will ever be able to have a job in the law field. I am also wondering what I should do in court, like if I should get a lawyer or what my options are. If I do get a conviction can I get this expunged? How does this work and how much would it cost? I am very concerned.


Asked on 9/13/08, 1:19 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
George Zuganelis Zuganelis & Zuganelis, Attorneys at Law, P.C.

Re: may be charged with retail theft, first offense, what do i do?

You should get a lawyer. How much it will cost depends upon the lawyer. In Cook County there is a program called the Theft Deterent Program run by the State's Attorney's Office. Your lawyer should be able to get you in that. I'm not sure what other counties have as far as that type of program. Once you successfully complete the program, the charges against you are dropped, and you can expunge immediately. Otherwise, you can get a period of supervision. If you complete that successfully, you must wait 5 years to expunge. Good luck.

Read more
Answered on 9/13/08, 11:39 am
Michael R. Nack Michael R. Nack, Attorney at Law

Re: may be charged with retail theft, first offense, what do i do?

You are correct to be very cvoncerned. A conviction on your record could seriously interfere with your career plans. However, it sounds as if you should be able to avoid a conviction. You should definitely hire an attorney. This will cost you anywhere from $1000 upwards depending upon who you talk to about it. The attorney will determine whether you have any defense and then advise you as to your options. You may wind up entering into a plea bargain under which you might avoid the conviction. Please consult with an attorney now.

Read more
Answered on 9/13/08, 11:04 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Illinois