I Was Charged with Theft; Could I Go to Prison? 

 Posted on February 13,2023 in Criminal Law

 Theft is a serious crime in the state of Illinois, and it carries severe consequences for those who are convicted of it. Theft can be defined as taking another person's property without permission. The severity of the punishment for theft depends on several factors, including the value of the property stolen, the type of property stolen, and the circumstances surrounding the theft. 

Today, we will look at important considerations if you are ever charged with theft. Make no mistake: theft is a crime that can upend one's life if convicted. To help prevent a detrimental conviction, consider contacting an experienced criminal defense attorney who will passionately defend your rights as you fight to defend yourself and move on with your life. 

What Crimes Constitute Theft? 

In Illinois, theft can include a variety of crimes, such as robbery, larceny, burglary, embezzlement, and more. Robbery, for example, involves taking property from another person through the use of force or threat of force. In contrast, burglary involves breaking into a building with the intent to commit theft. Embezzlement consists of the theft of property entrusted to someone, such as an employee stealing from their employer.

Penalties for Theft

In Illinois, theft is classified as a property crime, meaning it is an offense against property rather than against the person. The penalties for theft in Illinois can range from a fine or probation to imprisonment, depending on the case's specific circumstances. For example, property theft valued at less than $500 is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, levying up to one year in jail with a maximum fine of $2,500. On the other hand, if property theft is valued at between $100,000 and $500,000, the charge is escalated Class 1 felony, punishable by a possible prison sentence of up to 15 years and fines up to $25,000. 

In addition to criminal penalties, a conviction for theft can significantly impact a person's future. For example, a theft conviction can make finding employment or secure housing challenging, as many employers and landlords may be reluctant to trust someone with a criminal record. It can also result in the loss of professional licenses and other financial aid forms.  

Contact an Arlington Heights, IL Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with theft, consider contacting an astute Rolling Meadows, IL, theft defense lawyer with Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law. Call 847-253-3400 for a free consultation. 

Source: 

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=072000050K16-1