What to do if I am a suspect in a felony theft case regarding an object costing approximately $900?
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What to do if I am a suspect in a felony theft case regarding an object costing approximately $900?
I have a previous juvenile arrest on my record for shoplifting but I was never formally charged nor had a court appearance, only a ticket from police and a sum to pay to the company for damaged goods. Charges were dropped. With the previous arrest on my record, is there any way I could have the charges dropped from a felony to a misdemeanor if I am convicted?
Asked on February 15, 2013 under Criminal Law, Illinois
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Since this was a juvenile case and the charge was dropped, you may have some leeway here. The fact is that you have never been convicted of a crime, so in the eyes of the law you will be considered to be a first-time offender; accordingly you will be treated as such. However, there are other factors involved in getting a charge reduced. The fact is that at this point you need to sit down and go over the details of your case with a criminal law attoney who practices in your area. They will be in the best position to advise you.
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