Legal Question in Criminal Law in Illinois

Re: Normal sentence for a misdemeaner first time offense

There is no "normal" sentence, there are a range of dispositions. Some judges in Cook County will allow the offender to attend the State's Attorney theft deterrent program and upon completion of the program, the case is dismissed and the offender will have not record. There is a possibility of court supervision, which is not a conviction, and may eventually be expunged (erased) but that takes at least two years. It is important to keep a record clean of crimes of dishonesty, even a small one, as it can stand in the way of jobs in the future. Should you have further questions I can be reached at 630-243-0099. Good luck.