Legal Question in Criminal Law in Illinois

My 16 year old son was caught shoplifting at JCPenney with a friend of his. The total value of the merchandise was less than $200. The police were called and a report was written up. The police officer told me that it was a lesser offense because it was under $100 (value for what each kid had stolen). We have to go to court soon. Do we need a lawyer? What are the possible outcomes?


Asked on 11/16/11, 2:14 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael R. Nack Michael R. Nack, Attorney at Law

I would strongly advise you to hire an attorney for your son. An attorney may be able to defend the charge, or at least negotiate a plea bargain that would avoid your son taking a conviction for this offense. A conviction on your son's record would bring many negative collateral consequences for him in the future all of which can be avoided. Any money that you spend taking care of this correctly will be reurned to you or to your son may times over by his avoiding the conviction. I have handled hundreds of these cases in the thirty-three years that I hvae been practicing law, and I'd be happy to speak with you if you do not already have an attorney. No matter what you decide to do, I wish you and your son good luck.

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Answered on 11/16/11, 7:59 pm


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