Legal Question in Criminal Law in Illinois

retail theft
i was caught shoplifting at
nordstroms the total amount was
$68 the police came and i was NOT
arrested. I did NOT go to the station
or anything but i did get a citation/
ticket. the police said it was like a
traffic ticket but i dont know what he
menas It looks just like a speeding
ticket but wihtout the traffic
violations and stuff. It says retail
theft. my court date is in the
begining of April. I have a completely
clean record and have been accepted
into college. Will i get arrested? Will it
be on my permanent record? do i
need a lawyer? will this last more
than one court date? will my
highschool/college find ou? the court
is in Cook County Illinois. please
help!

Asked on 3/12/08, 4:10 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

George Zuganelis Zuganelis & Zuganelis, Attorneys at Law, P.C.

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Re: retail theft

Yes, you need a lawyer. What the officer did for you was give you an ordinance violation, just like a speeding ticket. This will not go on your "rap sheet." You will not have a record of this. However, the judge will want your parents present in court since you are still in high school. Please call for a free consultation.

Answered on 3/13/08, 1:51 pm

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Michael Rosenblat Michael C. Rosenblat., P.C.

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Re: retail theft

It will be on your record if you are convicted. You will need a lawyer. It may last more than one court date, usaually two. Your HS may find out. Sometimes these arrests are in the paper.

Answered on 3/12/08, 4:53 pm

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