Juvenile Shoplifting in Illinois

 Posted on April 12, 2024 in Juvenile Law

People steal for many different reasons. Some think they are above the law and can take what they want without paying. Some feel they need what they are taking, but they are unable to purchase it. Regardless, shoplifting is illegal and can result in serious consequences. Even if the person caught shoplifting is under 18 and their case is brought to juvenile court, they can still face penalties and charges similar to what an adult would. If your minor child has been arrested for shoplifting, a qualified Wheaton, IL juvenile defense lawyer can review the case and offer tailored legal representation.

What Are the Punishments for Shoplifting?

Retail theft, or shoplifting, means someone has taken something from a store without the intention of paying. How your child’s shoplifting will be handled depends to a large degree on the injured party or the person he stole from. This person could decide to give your daughter a harsh warning and possibly bar her from entering the store again. They might call the police, who, depending on the specific circumstances and your child’s background, could bring him to the police station, where they might also decide to let him off with an official warning. Another option is for the injured party to press charges.

The charges depend on what exactly was stolen and how much it was worth. Stealing something worth $300 or less is charged as a Class A misdemeanor. Punishments can include a jail sentence of up to one year, fines of up to $2,500, and probation for up to two years. Stealing something valued over $300 is charged as a Class 4 felony. Punishments in this case can include a prison sentence of up to three years, fines of up to $25,000, and probation for up to 30 months. Of course, regardless of what was stolen and what type of crime is involved, the punishments can vary based on background circumstances, as long as they do not exceed the maximum amounts listed above.

If charges are pressed, there are still some options available. In certain cases, especially when it is a first offense, a deferred prosecution program might be possible. This requires the shoplifter to attend counseling and do community service before they are prosecuted. However, in some cases, charges get dropped for a kid who has completed their program.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a DuPage County, IL Juvenile Defense Lawyer

As you can see from the information above, shoplifting is taken very seriously but the actual consequences your child faces can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors. A skilled Wheaton, IL criminal defense attorney can explain your options and guide you forward. People make mistakes, but that does not mean your child’s future should be forever marred by their misjudgment. At Davi Law Group, LLC, we use our experience as former criminal prosecutors to help us aggressively defend our clients. Call 630-580-6373 to schedule a free consultation.