Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft My first offense was shoplifting, I need advice. (Illinois)

[KKELL]

I got arrested for the first time in Illinois. I got charged with shoplifting. I was accused of stealing a little over a hundred dollars worth of liquor. I am 19 but when I was caught I did not have the liquor on me. They told me that they had me on camera taking the alcohol (which wound up being true) and began to fill out a shoplifting report. In an attempt to get out of it I fessed up, told them what I did to steal it, and offered to pay. They were going to let me pay and be fined for attempting to steal until the cop decided he would get in trouble for allowing me to pay for alcohol. I was told that the "person in charge" was on his way with paperwork to allow me to pay and leave, when the police showed up. I was taken to a police office where they filled out a report and did my fingerprints. Seeing as I was in the holding cell directly across from the police officers I heard them asking questions of clarification. The report says that the property I had stolen was miscellaneous goods. As I said this was my first offense. I plan on getting a lawyer for my court date which is in a little over month. I am here not only to ask advice for how I should go about this, but also to inquire what the general opinion of my sentence will be. As I said I was arrested in Illinois, but I am from Tennessee, I am here for college. What should I do, and also do you think this will result in a fine and some community service, or do you think I am going to see jail time?

 

[mightymoose]

Fine and community service. Violate your probation terms or get caught with alcohol again while still a minor and you might get yourself locked up for a short time.

 

[jacksgal]

Its hard to say on fines etc as we do not know if your being charged for additional crimes. One being MIP. Getting a Lawyer is wise decision talk to this Lawyer about Diversion and if its available in your county. This should help keep your record clean. There is a link in my signature line. Its just for retail theft issues you can try there as well

 

[jharris352]

Moose is right. Don't do something this silly again and you will be ok. I imagine your attorney will get you into a diversion/first offender program so you won't have a record. Is drinking really worth all of this? You need some counselling. Think about the decision you made: I want to drink so badly that I'm going to steal from a liquor store regardless of the potential consequences.

This isn't just an event, this is a way of thinking for you. Stopping what you did is important, but correcting the thinking that led to what you did will result in learning your lesson from this event and will give you some maturity.

I'm not up on a high horse talking down to you either. My first childish mistake in life landed me in much more serious trouble than you, so be happy it isn't going to hurt anymore than it will and learn your lesson instead of laughing it off. Change your friends! Good luck.