Retail Theft, Skokie / Old Orchard Courthouse

Allegations of Retail Theft, both misdemeanor and felony, are prosecuted in the Second Municipal District Courthouse of Cook County in Skokie, Illinois (sometimes referred to as the Old Orchard Courthouse). The majority of these cases are prosecuted as misdemeanor offenses although may be charged as felony offenses. There are multiple misdemeanor courtrooms within this courthouse (primarily on the first floor of the building), where these cases are often heard.

There are numerous cities and villages that prosecute Retail Theft offenses in the Second Municipal District including Glenview, Northbrook, Skokie, Wilmette, Deerfield, Morton Grove, Niles, Park Ridge, Northfield, Kenilworth, Golf, Lincolnwood, Evanston, Glencoe, Des Plaines and Winnetka.

The Second Municipal District, which consists mostly of the northern suburbs of Cook County, has a tremendous number of retail establishments within its boundaries. When an incident of theft or shoplifting is alleged, the local police departments are generally notified to make an arrest on the scene. Larger chain stores normally have a Loss Prevention Department that employs agents who become necessary witnesses in the prosecution of these charges, both misdemeanor and felony. The arresting officer rarely witnesses the act itself and is generally told what happened inside the store by the Loss Prevention Agents and/or store employees. Often, there is video surveillance of the alleged crime in addition to written police reports.

As defense attorneys, we subpoena all available evidence to help us determine whether or not a case is appropriate for a trial or if it is better suited for a negotiated plea disposition. In some instances, the testimony of the Loss Prevention Agent and/or store employee is the primary evidence used by the State to prosecute these charges. The witness’s failure to appear in court can potentially result in the ultimate dismissal of the charges. Regardless, a thorough evaluation of all relevant evidence will be required to determine the most appropriate defense strategy in your case.

For individuals with little or no criminal background, a defense attorney may be able to negotiate a deferred prosecution agreement with the State. A deferred prosecution will typically involve a requirement that the defendant complete certain conditions and then be ordered to return a few months later to show the Court that he/she has completed the necessary conditions successfully. When this is demonstrated, a complete dismissal of charge is entered by the judge. Of course, this is a very favorable outcome and the defendant may be eligible for an expungement of their Retail Theft arrest record.

The criminal defense attorneys at The Davis Law Group, P.C. have years of experience practicing in this courthouse and are familiar with the courthouse procedures, prosecutors, Clerks of the Circuit Court, and the Judges that preside in the Skokie courthouse. Contact us today if you require legal assistance for a misdemeanor or felony charge of Retail Theft in the Skokie/Old Orchard Courthouse. Let us put our experience and knowledge to work for you.