Theft in Illinois is defined as the unlawful act of taking or using another person's property without consent. Threatening or deceiving the owner of a property to gain possession is also a theft crime under Illinois law. Theft charges can also be brought against a person who accepts property he or she knows to be stolen. Theft charges can involve a variety of alleged crimes, including:
- Auto Theft / Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle or PSMV
- Robbery / Armed Robbery
- Illinois Financial Exploitation of an Elderly or Disabled Person 720 ILCS 5 17-56
- Burglary / Aggravated Burglary / Home Invasion
- Shoplifting/ Retail Theft
- Credit Card Theft
- Deceptive Practices (theft by deception)
- Identity Theft
- Embezzlement
- Forgery
- Carjacking or Vehicular Hijacking
- Receiving or Possession of Stolen Property
Classifications & Penalties
The penalties for a theft under Illinois criminal law will depend on the classification of the offense:
Class a Misdemeanor: the value of the stolen property is $300 or less, and the property was not stolen directly from another person.
- Penalties: up to one year in jail and fines up to $2,500.
Class 3 Felony: the value of the stolen property is less than $300, and the property was stolen directly from another person. Class 3 felony charges will also be brought if the value of the stolen property was more than $300 but less than $10,000.
- Penalties: up to five years in state prison and/or fines up to $25,000
Class 2 Felony: the value of the stolen property is between $10,001 and $100,000.
- Penalties: up to seven years in state prison and/or fines up to $25,000.
Class 1 Felony: the value of the stolen property is between $100,001 and $500,000.
- Penalties: up to 15 years in state prison and/or fines up to $25,000. If the value of the stolen property is more than $500,000, the defendant will not be eligible for probation.
Have you been charged with theft?
At Fagan, Fagan & Davis, we are committed to providing the best possible defense services to people charged with a theft-related crime in the Chicago area. With more than 100 years of combined experience, we feel we are more than capable of defending people against even the most serious theft charges. When you come to our office, you can feel confidant knowing your case will be handled by a skilled Chicago criminal defense lawyer who is well-practiced in this area of criminal law and prepared to fight tirelessly in pursuit of having your charges reduced or dropped.
