Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Retail theft of alcohol (underage) in IL with past possessio

[rtfpeaches]

Hi.

I'm 16 and I was charged with Retail Theft on Friday for taking a 12 pack of Miller Lite from a store. There was a witness who told store and they got the plates off the car I left in. I'm pleading guilty but I was wondering if there might be further consequences past the theft due to the fact that it was alcohol and I am underage. Also, on the ticket, the box that says you have to appear in court is not checked. What exactly does that mean? The charge is on a local level, not state, if that helps. I have one prior arrest for unlawful possession of cannabis and I have completed court supervision and since then the charge has been dropped. Lastly, I am looking at going to college (I have a A- average and a 28 ACT score) so how might this new arrest effect my chances? Thank you!

 

[thelawjournal]

You just put your College plans at risk. First off you likely do or will have a court date so check. Next you will likely have two charges to deal with "Minor in possesion" and Retail theft! Since you have a prior criminal history Diversion is not likely an option and the consequences will be worse. You need to talk to a Lawyer to see what (if anything) can be done to reduce the damage this will cause. I do not see your escaping this without some record. Colleges will frown upon this if discovered. I would urge to enroll in both an Anti Shoplifting course we recommend one offered by NASP and a drug and/or alcohol program. By doing so you will show Judge both remorse and that your taking corrective measures to right your wrongs. This can only have a positive impact. You can find the NASP program via their website

 

[rtfpeaches]

The only charge on the ticket is for retail theft, is it possible that is the only thing I get punished for? The arrested officer made it seem like it was not going to be that heavy - he said fine, community service, and possibly a rehab kind of thing. I really don't want alcohol charges because in IL they suspend your license in a heartbeat. I know I am accountable for my actions..

 

[thelawjournal]

The DA can add the MIP charge if he chooses. The Officer told you what did with knowledge of your prior criminal history?

 

[rtfpeaches]

Yeah, the first thing he asked me was if I had priors. I assume that he could have charged me with possession of alcohol by a minor and slapped that on the ticket, right? He was telling me how it wasn't the "crime of the century". Also, he stressed that it was going to be a local not a state charge so it would be less harsh. I didn't ask about alcohol charges but he never said I would get them.

 

[thelawjournal]

That is up to DA I suspect he will add them to help with bargaining with you for plea.