Court fees and fines?

Question

basically, i did something really stupid and have to go to court for it next week for a misdemeanor shoplifting charge.

(stealing about 20 dollars worth of mech)

how much will i have to pay for court fee's ?

i already paid the ffine the store sent me , can i also be charges with another fine after court? how much will that be?

also, do i need a lawyer? all i really heard i had to do was go there and say i did it and get charged, but i've never had to do anything like this before...

(i've never been charged with anything ever before, i'm a minor, in illinois if that helps at all)

and i don't need any lectures. i screwed up. i'm not doing it again. i feel really bad about crewing up in the first place.

Answer 1

I live in another state,  but I have worked in my city courthouse with the clerks and judges.  I am sure fees and fines vary in each state but an approximation would be more or less restitution and fees between 200  and 400 dollars.  

If you were taking to jail the day of the incident and posted bail you will get the bail back most likely as long as you show up in court as schedulesd.  But after you paid all of that there is a good chance that the store or place where the theft was committed will also ask for compensation in a civil matter and you would need to settle or go back to court and be charged civilly.  Usually this may run you another 200 dollars or more.  Maybe this will not hapen to you if you are a minor (I am not sure about that part).

Personally if it was less than 50 dollars I do not think you may need a lawyer.  They do have proof that you are guilty,  but when you go in front of the judge you should be respectful and show regret for what you did and if the judge feels that you are sincere he might just put you in probation for six months or so and after this time, provided you do not get in trouble AT ALL, the judge will dismiss your case and you will not have a criminal record.

You can always ask others about the law in your state and if they do recommend a lawyer.

So a 20 theft can become between 600 and 1500 dollars when you get caught plus a criminal record.  I do hope you do not do ut again and learned your lesson.

Answer 2

speaking from something i unfortantley know something about.. chances are you will pay a fine from the court its called restitution and doesnt matter if you paid it back to the store... however they might reduce it or suspend it as long as you dont get into any more problems ... also if you are a minor it will be sealed when you are 18. most times not always a judge will say something along the lines of but dont quote me on this i am just giving you an example.. he might say " i am imposing a 200.00 fine 2 days in jail and 30 days court probation.. then in the same breath will or could say i am suspending all but 50.00 and suspending all jail time as long as you remain clean from anything for the 30 days court probation... so theres an example for you'' also if this truly is your first time in trouble they usually go light  on you... anyhow hope you sleep a little beter after all this and yes as you said everyone makes mistakes... some just preach more cause they feel they are god like... judge not less you be judged

Answer 3

For a first offense, misdemeanor I wouldn't bother with a lawyer.  When you appear the court will probably offer you a first offender deferment program.  (If not, ask about it.)  Where you complete the length of time without getting into more trouble (and maybe some community service), and then your case is dismissed.  That doesn't mean it won't appear on your record, but as a juvenile, it may be sealed, so after you turn eighteen it won't be accessible by the public (like employers), only law enforcement.

The money you paid to the store is a civil matter.  (But it's a good thing you paid it, because if they have to sue you, they will want a lot more.)  The court costs, fines, and restitution are part of the criminal case, and will be a separate payment.  Expect that to be (roughly) between $300 and $600.

The bail should be returned by the bondsman after you've made your appearance in court.  They usually mail you a check.  It takes a while.  In some places you can request that it be applied to your court costs.  I'm not sure about Illinois, though.

Don't panic.  It sounds to me like you have the right attitude about the whole thing, and that goes a long way with a judge.  It will all work out.