Legal Question in Criminal Law in Illinois

Retail theft less than $20.00

A person is arrested for attempting to steal a hygenic product of less than $20.00 from a grocery store, they are at least 18 but no older than 19. This person is a fine student, a high school captian of a sports team, involved in the community and has had no prior instanced of any kind as a juvinille or up to his crime. tThis person will plead guilty to the complaint.

Question: what penalties is this person likely to face and can he be expected to be given the opportunity to be placed on court supervision?


Asked on 1/13/02, 4:07 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
David Shestokas Shestokas, & Associates

Re: Retail theft less than $20.00

The oppurtunity for court supervision exists with proper representation. I have known individuals who pleaded guilty without counsel and were surprised to find that while they expected supervision, they received a conviction. In Illinois, a successfully completed supervision can lead to expungement of the court case and the record of the arrest. A conviction however, follows you for the rest of your life, and a theft conviction can be very troublesome when looking for a job.

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Answered on 1/16/02, 6:10 pm
Michael R. Nack Michael R. Nack, Attorney at Law

Re: Retail theft less than $20.00

The young man charged with the crime should hire an attorney to represent him on the charges. It would be a mistake to simply plead guilty and hope that the Court grants him supervision. If this is a first offense it is very likely that an attorney would be able to negotiate a plea bargain under which the State's attorney recommends supervision and the Court approves the deal, thus avoiding a conviction on the young man's record which could cause a great deal of damage in his future life. If you are not already represented by counsel, you may call me for a free telephone consultation at 314-727-2822.

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Answered on 1/13/02, 9:57 pm


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