Chicago Violent Crime Increase Due Primarily to Robberies

 Posted on July 19, 2024 in Felonies & Misdemeanors

Information gathered from June 2023 through May 2024 showed a spike in violent crimes due primarily to robbery crimes across Chicago. Although the number of violent crimes increased, the arrest rate dropped to the lowest level in the past five years. Robberies in the city accounted for almost 38 percent of all reported crimes—an increase of 16.2 percent over the past year.

Coordinated robbery sprees across what were once some of the city’s safest neighborhoods appeared to drive the increase in the number of robberies. Since the penalties for an Illinois robbery conviction are severe, speaking to a knowledgeable Arlington Heights, IL robbery attorney from Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law can be beneficial. An experienced lawyer may be able to convince the prosecutor to reduce your charges or may find errors that could result in the charges being dropped.

What is the Definition of Robbery in Illinois?

Illinois law defines robbery as knowingly taking the property of another (excluding a vehicle) through the use of force or the threat of imminent force. The charges can be increased to aggravated robbery when a firearm or other dangerous weapon is used to facilitate the robbery. Even if the person who committed the crime is later determined to have no dangerous weapon in their possession, if a verbal threat was made regarding a weapon, the charges could still be bumped up to aggravated robbery.

The value or type of property stolen during a robbery is usually unimportant—the act defines the crime. If the robbery occurs as a street mugging or a carjacking, burglary or vehicular hijacking charges may also be added. It is a crime to enter a residential building with the intent of taking items that belong to another person, whether that building is a home, duplex, condominium, apartment, mobile home, watercraft with living quarters, or a recreational vehicle.  

Locations that will not qualify as residences if they are no longer habitable. This means that a condemned building or an unfinished home may not qualify under the theft statutes. The criminal offense of burglary can be charged even if nothing was actually taken—the prosecutor must only demonstrate that there was intent to steal something.  

What Are the Penalties for a Robbery Conviction?

Charges for simple robbery may face Class 2 felony charges, resulting in three to seven years in prison and fines as high as $25,000. Aggravated robbery, which includes weapons, the threat of weapons, or the use of incapacitating drugs administered to an alleged victim without their consent, is a Class 1 felony. A conviction for aggravated robbery can result in a prison term of four to 15 years and fines of up to $25,000.  

Armed robbery, which occurs when the offender uses a dangerous weapon in the commission of the robbery, could result in Class X felony charges—a conviction for a Class X felony results in from six to 30 years in prison. If someone was seriously injured or killed, another 25 years could be added to that sentence. Depending on the circumstances, a robbery could be pled down to trespassing an occupied residence—a Class 4 felony.

What Are the Most Common Defenses Against Robbery Charges?

Each robbery charge is unique, so the best defense will depend on the facts and circumstances surrounding the charges. Some of the more common defenses against robbery charges include:

• Mistaken identity       
• The alleged victim is making up the robbery as a means of "getting even" with someone they are angry with.
• If the defendant was one of a group committing a crime, an attorney might argue "mere presence," meaning the defendant took no active role in the crime or was unaware the others were planning a burglary.
• The police may have made errors during the arrest, including civil rights violations.  

Contact a Rolling Meadows, IL Robbery Lawyer Today

When you have an Arlington Heights, IL robbery attorney advocating for your rights and future, you immediately have an advantage. With more than 25 years of experience practicing criminal law as both a prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney, Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law knows better than many other attorneys what you are up against. The lawyer you choose to defend your charges can profoundly impact the outcome of those charges. Contact Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law at 847-253-3400 to schedule your free consultation.