Category Archives: retail theft

THE NEW ILLINOIS ORGANIZED RETAIL THEFT LAW

Starting June 1, 2011, Illinois will have tougher laws against organized retail theft rings. In addition to criminal penalties such as fines and jail time, the new law allows a judge to seize a defendant’s money or property. The new … Continue reading

Posted in financial crimes enterprise offense, organized crime ring, retail theft, theft | Leave a comment

‘I CAN’T GET A JOB!”: CLEARING YOUR CRIMINAL RECORD – PARDONS & EXPUNGEMENTS

(Updated 2/20/13) In today’s tough job market, you are at greater risk of losing out on that job opportunity you wanted because of an undesirable criminal record. But there may still be hope. If you were charged with a crime … Continue reading

Posted in arrest, convictions, cook county courthouse, criminal charges, criminal law, expungement, felony, pardon, retail theft, sealing | Leave a comment

‘I’VE BEEN STOPPED FOR SHOPLIFTING!”: STORE SECURITY AND YOUR RIGHTS

You were browsing at a department store and had just left, when suddenly store security approaches you. They ask you to come with them. What are your rights? If a merchant believes you have been shoplifting, they may detain you … Continue reading

Posted in criminal charges, detention, retail theft, shoplifting, store security, theft detection | Leave a comment

IN TROUBLE AGAIN: WHEN YOU HAVE VIOLATED YOUR PROBATION OR SUPERVISION

You figure you have the worst luck imaginable. You received a supervision on your first-time misdemeanor or DUI, or maybe you received probation on a felony. All you had to do was stay out of trouble. But now you’ve been … Continue reading

Posted in arrest, criminal charges, criminal law, first offense, resentencing, retail theft, second offense, violation of probation, violation of supervision | Leave a comment

‘BUT I WASN’T ON CAMPUS!”: WHEN YOU ARE DISCIPLINED AT COLLEGE FOR AN OFF-CAMPUS CRIMINAL CHARGE

You had a little too much fun one night at the pub downtown. As you struggled to drive home, you blew a stop sign and next thing you knew, you were pulled over for DUI. Or maybe you were involved … Continue reading

Posted in college discipline, criminal charges, discipline charges, driving while under the influence, drug dealing, drugs, dui, education law, retail theft, student code of conduct, university discipline | Leave a comment

“THE POLICE ARE LOOKING FOR ME”: WHEN YOU ARE A SUSPECT OR FEAR ARREST

You just got a phone call from your roommate. Some police officer showed up looking for you. As it happens, you actually do know why they want to talk. Maybe you were involved in a crime like a robbery, hit … Continue reading

Posted in arrest, criminal charges, criminal law, drug dealing, drugs, retail theft, robbery, sexting, shoplifting, suspect | Leave a comment

“I MEANT TO PAY FOR IT”: WHEN YOU ARE ACCUSED OF SHOPLIFTING

You are visiting your favorite big box store. You picked up a couple DVDs that you were thinking of purchasing, but then got distracted and walked out the door with them. Before you knew it, security was after you, and … Continue reading

Posted in expungement, retail theft, shoplifting | Leave a comment

DO I NEED AN ATTORNEY?

Whether it’s internet crime, DUI, a simple traffic ticket or a more serious misdemeanor like retail theft or internet crime, clients often ask: “Do I really need an attorney?” The client may have blown a bad breathalyzer test and thinks … Continue reading

Posted in arrest, class a misdemeanor, criminal charges, criminal law, driving while under the influence, dui, internet crime, retail theft | Leave a comment