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Pre-sentencing

Interview with Kate

JM: Tell us about the pre-sentencing process:
Kate: I was released on bond while I awaited trial, after several court dates and months I was sentenced. I had to eventually make a plea agreement and set a date to turn myself in to serve my time. I had to wait to see a judge to receive a bond and then I paid the money and received a courtdate

JM: Did you have police stop by your house for questioning? If not please give us details on how you came to be arrested.
Kate: no police at my home I was arrested for shoplifting at walmart department store. I had changed the pricetag on a toy for my daughters birthday because I could not afford to buy it and it was her birthday, walmart security seen me and stopped me leaving the store it is considered retail theft in Illinois, I have been diagnosed with cleptomania and have had issues with stealing since childhood

JM: What was court like? Please give as many details as you recall.
Kate: very stressful!! also honestly a joke!! the public defender obviously had a working relationship with the prosecutor and she was determined to get her way, I researched the law myself and still had to agree to a plea. my public defender was not serving me. they just wanted me to agree and get it over with I refused until I received a fair sentence. my public defender was rude and basically laughed at me

JM: What were your original charges? What did you end up being convicted of?
Kate: class 3 felony retail theft over $150 and also class4 felony retail theft / previous conviction

Read about sentencing in the Tazewell County Jail