Robbery in Illinois is defined as taking property from another person or place through the use of force or by threatening the imminent use of force. The distinguishing factor between robbery and theft under Illinois law is whether force was used during the commission of the alleged crime.

Aggravated robbery occurs if a weapon is used during the commission of a robbery and armed robbery occurs when an individual forcibly takes or attempts to take property through the use of a deadly weapon. A deadly weapon, although typically thought of as a firearm, is anything that can be used to maim or kill another person.

Burglary, although frequently associated with theft, does not have to involve the act of taking or attempting to take property. Burglary is a crime of breaking and entering; an individual may be charged with burglary in Illinois for entering another individual’s property with the intent to commit a felony. The property involved may be any building, house trailer, watercraft, aircraft, motor vehicle or railroad car.

A conviction on theft, robbery or burglary charges can carry serious consequences. If you have been arrested for theft, robbery or burglary, it is crucial to enlist the services of a skilled criminal defense attorney to help ensure a positive outcome for your case.

Classification: Class A Misdemeanor
Theft is a Class A misdemeanor if the theft of the property is not directly from the person and the value of the property in question is $300 or less. Class A misdemeanors are punishable by fines of up to $2500 and up to 1 year in jail.

Classification: Class 3 Felony
Theft is a Class 3 felony if the theft of the property is directly from the person and value of the property in question the value of the property in question is less than $300. It is also a Class 3 felony if the theft involved property worth more than $300 but less than $10,000. Class 3 felonies are punishable by fines of up to $25,000 and up to 5 years in jail.

Classification: Class 2 Felony:
Theft of property exceeding $10,000 but not $100,000 in value is a Class 2 felony. Class 2 felonies are punishable by fines of up to $25,000 and up to 7 years in jail.

Classification: Class 1 Felony
Theft of property exceeding $100,000 but not $500,000 is a Class 1 felony. Probation is not available for individuals accused of theft of property exceeding $500,000 in value. Class 1 felonies are punishable by fines of up to $25,000 and up to 15 years in jail.

An arrest and conviction for any type of theft can result in fines, jail time and a criminal record that will follow you for the rest of your life. An experienced Chicago theft defense attorney will fight your theft charges with the goal of protecting your rights, your freedom and your future.

The state of Illinois does have guidelines for DUI penalties based on the number of prior DUI convictions in any individual’s case. Those penalties are as follows:

First conviction

• loss of license for a minimum of 1 year
• fines of up to $2,500
• a jail sentence of up to one year

Second conviction (within 20 years)

• loss of license for a minimum of 5 years
• mandatory five days in jail or 30 days of community service
• fines of up to $2,500 and
• a jail sentence of up to one year

Third conviction (Class 2 felony)

• loss of your license for a minimum of 10 years
• possible 3-7 years imprisonment
• fines of up to $25,000.

Fourth or subsequent conviction

• loss of your license for life

Fifth conviction (Class 1 felony)

• loss of your license for life, plus
• possible 4-15 years imprisonment
• fines of up to $25,000

Sixth or subsequent conviction (Class X felony)

• loss of your license for life, plus
• possible 6-30 years imprisonment
• fines of $25,000 or greater