Legal Question in Criminal Law in Illinois

criminal offense

My mother was caught red handed

while stealing booze from one of the

Dominic's store. That's the very first

time she was arrested ever...for

anything. We (my father and I) do

not really know whether she's

kleptomaniac or not, but we know

she's causing trouble. Her court date

is in about a week, and as far as I

know she's on her own in there (she

does not even speak English well

enough to defend herself!). I was

wandering what would be the best

offense for her...claim that she is

kleptomaniac or something? Did you

deal with these kinds of cases, and

do you know what works best the

first time for the accused? I

appreciate your response.


Asked on 2/20/09, 6:16 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Zedrick Braden III Ainsworth & Associates PC

Re: criminal offense

Hello. In the past I have represented people in shoplifting cases. Your mother will need an interpreter and she should have a lawyer with her on the day of court. Will be happy to discuss this in more detail.

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Answered on 2/21/09, 5:18 am
David Shestokas Shestokas, & Associates

Re: criminal offense

In some situations there may be available a diversion program that allows your mother to take a class regarding the problems caused by retail theft. She may be eligible for court supervision which does not give her a criminal conviction. There are available in court official interpreters that will assist with her language problems, but they will not help her with the legal issues involved. She needs an attorney for this problem. Please feel free to contact us for further free consultations.

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Answered on 2/21/09, 2:36 pm


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