Legal Question in Criminal Law in Illinois
Class A misdemeanor
To whom it may concern
An acquaintance ended up stealing a $113 book from a store (college
textbooks are expensive) and was charged with a class A misdemeanor
as a result. He has a clean record and an upstanding character, but he's
still thinking about hiring a lawyer just in case things don't go well.
Everyone I talk to say that it's just going to get thrown out - but is there
enough of a risk to justify having a lawyer around just in case? Or is this
the kind of court that is like a moving traffic violation?
Thanks in advance for your time, it's really appreciated.
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Class A misdemeanor
I have been a lawyer for twenty six years, and if I was charged with a class A misdemeanor today, I would hire an attorney to represent me. Whoever is making comments that this case will just be thrown out obviously either doesn't know what he or she is talking about or simply wants to provide misinformation. It's not just that the defendant is facing jail time and/or a fine, a conviction on this charge will remain on the defendant's permanent criminal record. Whenever the defendant wants to apply for a job, a loan, a scholarship, or whatever, the application will ask "Have you ever been convicted of either a Misdemeanor or a Felony, etc. etc." Lieing about it will not work, because the record may be easily obtained. A stupid move now, on top of the stupid move of getting involved in this in the first place will truely compound the seriousness of the offense and the possible adverse consequences for defendant for many years to come. This is a no brainer! Hire an attorney! Now!
Re: Class A misdemeanor
A class A misdemeanor carries up to 364 days in jail, and/or fines of up to $2500. As it is something that can affect a life forever in addition to the possible short term penalties, it is important to have a lawyer to look out for both long and short term interests. If your friend wishes to discuss the matter our office number is 630-257-8280
Re: Class A misdemeanor
Hiring an attorney will assist your friend at a minimum in evaluating the different potential outcomes, including, a nolle pros, SOL, supervision, or a conviction. Have your friend call me if he wants to discuss. Mike Rosenblat at 847-657-0006.
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