Consequences

Based on the facts you have listed, you should not have been charged with a felony offense.  Retail theft, under 720 ILCS 5/16-25(f), typically requires the value stolen to be in excess of $300 dollars.  Therefore, you are likely going to be charged with misdemeanor juvenile delinquency. 

  You did not indicate in which county you were arrested.  An experienced criminal defense attorney can let you know your options and what to expect. You listed this under the heading of felonies. At 16 you were probably charged as a juvenile unless you were charged under a municipal ordinance. Even if you were an adult, without prior convictions to enhance this charge to a felony, you were probably charged with a misdemeanor.    There may be important collateral consequences to this arrest, please contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.     This posting is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice nor establish an attorney-client relationship between the parties.   Lori G. Levin Attorney at Law 180 N. LaSalle, Suite 3700 Chicago, IL 60601 312-972-3756 levin@lorilevinlaw.com www.lorilevinlaw.com