I got caught shoplifting in Chicago and I am 19 years old.?

Question

This was my first time being arrested and my first time getting anything that has to do with the law. Its a misdemeanor. What are they going to tell me when i go to court? Will I go to jail? Probabtion? I had a clean record, this is my first time. Can anyone help me and give me some advise on what to expect? What is a class 1 class 2 or class 3 misdemeanor? Please help!

Answer 1

Probation & a fine if it's a misdemeanor.

As quoted for VA - you'll need to check the laws for your state:
COV 18.2-11. Misdemeanors

The authorized punishments for conviction of a misdemeanor are:

For Class 1 misdemeanors, confinement in jail for up to twelve months and a fine of up to $2,500, either or both.
For Class 2 misdemeanors, confinement in jail for up to six months and a fine of up to $1,000, either or both.
For Class 3 misdemeanors, maximum fine of $500.
For Class 4 misdemeanors, maximum fine of $250

In fact, this might help you out some b/c it's about Chicago Law:
http://www.callyourlawyers.com/cookcountycriminal.html

You'll have a hearing. You can choose to hire a lawyer. It couldn't hurt but might be expensive. The great thing about lawyers is that they can get you a lesser sentence if you are looking at jail time. Most of this is dependant upon the judge. You're not a child so he might come down harder on you - assuming that you should know better.

Good Luck.

Answer 2

It sounds like you are scared -- and that's good because I hope it stops you from doing something silly like this again. With that being said, however, I also want to tell you not to worry, sweetheart.

First of all, these are the definitions of class one, two and three misdemeanors: "For Class 1 misdemeanors, confinement in jail for up to twelve months and a fine of up to $2,500, either or both.
For Class 2 misdemeanors, confinement in jail for up to six months and a fine of up to $1,000, either or both.
For Class 3 misdemeanors, maximum fine of $500."

But I don't want you to panic;these are the maximum sentences and don't truly apply to your situation -- you have never been arrested before, it is your first time as well as your first offense, you are clearly contrite for what you've done, and so you should merely get a warning or some light probation (depending on what you stole and how much you took from the store who is prosecuting).

Will you be assigned a legal aid lawyer or do you already have a lawyer? Having one might also make you feel more secure about the verdict.

I want to wish you good luck -- I hope this helps you :)

Answer 3

As quoted from a local judge in Alabama: Municipal court is usually someone's first and only run-in with the law. In most cases, it's simply punishment enough to have to appear in court. It's up to the judge but expect a very light fine, no probation, no jail time and you will have to pay court costs. They will treat it seriously because they are trying to drill it into your head so you won't do anything else again, but at the same time they know people make mistakes. If you get a lawyer he might even be able to get the case null-processed (dismissed) with you paying court costs and perhaps taking some community service class or something. That would keep your record clean (but the lawyer will cost more than the fine)

Answer 4

I was caught shoplifiting when I was 18, and if the laws haven't changed much, and depending on the price of the stolen merchandise, you will probably get off with probation. Believe me, they do not make probation an easy thing. You have to pay every month, plus they will make you take shoplifting class with other offenders, plus they may random test you for drugs or alcohol and you must pay your court fees and restitution before the last day of your probation or they will arrest you again.

My suggestion is that when you go to court, you act very apologetic. And after you get out of court, don't steal anymore! Besides the fact that it's very humiliating to be cuffed and walked out the front doors where everyone can watch and point at you, it's just plain wrong to steal. If you can't afford something, you probably don't need it. And there is a lot of pride in buying something with your hard earned cash. For me I think it was the thrill of getting away with something that made me do it, but the thrill was gone once I got caught and realized it wasn't worth it!

Answer 5

Probation & a fine if it's a misdemeanor.

As quoted for VA - you'll need to check the laws for your state:
COV 18.2-11. Misdemeanors

The authorized punishments for conviction of a misdemeanor are:

For Class 1 misdemeanors, confinement in jail for up to twelve months and a fine of up to $2,500, either or both.
For Class 2 misdemeanors, confinement in jail for up to six months and a fine of up to $1,000, either or both.
For Class 3 misdemeanors, maximum fine of $500.
For Class 4 misdemeanors, maximum fine of $250

In fact, this might help you out some. You'll have a hearing. You can choose to hire a lawyer. It couldn't hurt but might be expensive. The great thing about lawyers is that they can get you a lesser sentence if you are looking at jail time. Most of this is dependant upon the judge. You're not a child so he might come down harder on you - assuming that you should know better.

Good Luck.

Source(s):

http://www.abc.state.va.us/facts/punish....

6 minutes ago - Report Abuse

Answer 6

Okay, first off when you go to court. Don't lie. Also, being black has nothing to do with this. Since as you never walked out of the store on the 3rd charge you technically didn't break the law. Now plead guilty for the first and second and not guilty to the third. You will either go to jail or serve community service. If it's in middle school then it probably won't go on your record but if your in high school it will. It all depends on your history. If the judge sees you have no previous records, good grades, good kid, no drugs ect. then you might get a warning or little community service. But if you are the exact opposite then lots of community service and or jail time. You will probably be charged with petite larceny which is a misdemeanor I believe. So good luck and please don't steal man I know what its like to want money and free stuff (I'm 14 also) but you gotta look past all that and realize the punishment. Good luck and I hope you've learned your lesson.

Answer 7

Shoplifting and retail theft can be a misdemeanor or a felony. Theft of more than $150 in merchandise is a Class 4 felony, punishable by major jail time if convicted. Escaping by running out the emergency exit is also a Class 4 felony.

The authorized punishments for conviction of a misdemeanor are:

1. For Class 1 misdemeanors, confinement in jail for up to twelve months and a fine of up to $2,500, either or both.
2. For Class 2 misdemeanors, confinement in jail for up to six months and a fine of up to $1,000, either or both.
3. For Class 3 misdemeanors, maximum fine of $500.
4. For Class 4 misdemeanors, maximum fine of $250.

Answer 8

Since it's your first time and you show regret to the judge you will most likely be given probation and a fine or community service. NOT a guarantee mind you. It would also depend on the value of the item you shoplifted. The different classes just deliniate the different levels of a misdemeanor, i.e., if you steal 200.00 as opposed to a CD or something small. Good Luck!

Answer 9

even though its a misdemeanor, if you have the money you prob ought to get a lawyer. might be able to get a pretrial diversion to a dismissal or some such. classes of misdemeanors describe the possible penalites for conviction, top class is a year and a big fine. dont know how it goes in IL. You wont go to jail with a prev clean record even if you just go in and plead guilty.

Answer 10

Your sentence can vary wildly.

I hope you have an attorney! A good lawyer can be a big help in making sure that

1) the prosecution has admissible evidence that can prove their charge

2) you get fair treatment in sentencing in case you are convicted

BTW, don't do anything STUPID, like talking to somebody other than your lawyer about this. Anyone else can be called to testify against you, and you don't want to put them in the position of either telling the truth and hurting their friend, or lying and risking a perjury charge.