Illinois Theft Crimes

 Posted on June 29, 2018 in Theft

Oftentimes people will use the terms theft, robbery, and burglary interchangeably, though under the law, these terms have very different meanings and each contains different consequences. These crimes all include a person taking or attempting to take property from another person, but the elements of these crimes differ, as well as the consequences for committing them. Theft is a general term used when property is stolen from a person without the intention to return it. If you are being charged with a theft crime, it is important to know what you are being charged with and the penalties that you face.

What Constitutes Theft?

Theft is a broad term that can cover a variety of crimes. Theft encompasses any crime in which a person takes property from another person without the intention of returning it. In the state of Illinois, a person commits theft when they:

• Obtain unauthorized control over property of the owner;
• Use deception or threat to obtain control over property of the owner; or
• Obtain control over property knowing that it was stolen.

Sentencing for Theft

According to Illinois law, the sentencing for a person who has committed theft depends on the situation surrounding the theft, the value of the items that were stolen and the place the items that were stolen.

If the stolen property is valued under $300 and it was not directly stolen from someone, then the charge is classified as a Class A misdemeanor and can carry a jail sentence of up to a year and a fine of up to $2,500.

A theft is classified as a Class 3 felony if the value of the stolen property is less than $300 and was stolen directly from another person. A theft is also classified as a Class 3 felony if the property is worth more than $300 but less than $10,000. A Class 3 felony can carry a sentence of up to five years in a state prison and a fine of up to $25,000.

When property that is stolen and is valued more than $10,000 but less than $100,000, the crime is classified as a Class 2 felony which can come with a prison sentence of up to seven years and a fine of up to $25,000.

If the value of stolen property is more than $100,000 and less than $500,000, the crime is considered a Class 1 felony and can carry a possible prison sentence of up to 15 years and a fine of up to $25,000. If the value of the stolen property is more than $500,000, it is still considered a Class 1 felony, but you will not be eligible for probation.

Consult with a Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with a theft crime, you need the immediate help and representation of an experienced Skokie criminal defense attorney. Each situation is different and there are always two sides to every story. Contact the Luisi Legal Group to discuss your specific situation and figure out your options. Call 773-276-5541 to schedule a consultation.

Sources:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=072000050HArt%2E+16%2C+Subdiv%2E+5&ActID=1876&ChapterID=53&SeqStart=36900000&SeqEnd=39600000

https://www.reviews.org/home-security/theft-types/