People of the State of Illinois v. M.G.

NOT GUILTY - THEFT

The Defendant was charged with Theft in that she allegedly stole a Chicago Police Department ticket book. The Defendant did steal this item. However, the reason why she stole was relevant and resulted in the Defendant hiring Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney Michael P. Schmiege to represent her. In the State of Illinois, Theft for an amount less than $300.00 is a Class A Misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail. While a first time offender is not likely to receive jail time on a theft offense a conviction for the offense could have lifelong consequences as it would stay on your record forever and may prevent you from obtaining employment in the future.

The Defendant believed that she had justification for taking the ticket book and wanted to explain her position before a jury. Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer Michael P. Schmiege took the case to trial and called the Defendant as a witness in her own defense. The Defendant testified that she took the ticket book to record information concerning the officers that were being physical with and roughing up her father. The jury agreed with attorney Michael Schmiege that the police officers were absurd in charging her with Theft when her intent was not to permanently deprive the officers of the book but to simply record the license plate of the police car. The Defendant was found NOT GUILTY by a jury.

While most attorneys would have gone the easy route and plea bargained with the prosecutors for a guilty plea, Mr. Schmiege was willing to stand up for his client and fight for her rights and freedom.

Contact a Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer today if you or a loved one has been charged with a theft crime in Chicago.