More Than 105 Combined Years Of Experience At Your Side In Illinois

Advocating for Clients Accused of Theft and Burglary Charges Across Illinois

​Criminal theft charges should be taken extremely seriously. A conviction on theft-related charges can lead to severe penalties, including time spent behind bars and massive penalties. If you are facing charges for theft in Illinois or another criminal defense charge, the attorneys at Beck & Houlihan, P.C., are prepared to assist you today in mounting a solid defense.

Theft in Illinois

In the state of Illinois, under 720 ILCS 5/16-1, a person commits theft or larceny) by knowingly obtaining control over someone else’s property that it is:

  • Unauthorized
  • By deception
  • By threat
  • Known to be stolen
  • Stolen property in the custody of law enforcement
  • With the intention or effect of depriving the owner of it permanently

​The value of the property, where it is taken from, and any prior convictions of similar offenses significantly affect the penalty under state law. For example, theft of property valued at $500 or less is a Class A misdemeanor, but property valued at $500 or less stolen from a school, place of worship, or government property is a Class 4 felony. Theft from the person of property worth $500 or less is a class 3 felony. Defenses to theft include that the property was taken with the owner’s consent and/or without the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property (i.e., the property was borrowed with the intention of it being returned). These defenses, especially those involving the intent of the involved parties, are complicated to argue, necessitating the assistance of a criminal defense attorney who is experienced and skilled in presenting such defenses to the charge of theft. Our attorneys have been representing clients in Illinois since 2001. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Robbery

Robbery and aggravated robbery can be distinguished from theft by the use of force or threatening the imminent use of force, including the use of a dangerous weapon. Robbery is a Class 2 felony, unless committed against a person who is 60 years old or older or in a school, day care center, day care home, group day care home, or place of worship, in which case it is a Class 1 felony, like aggravated robbery (720 ILCS 5/18-1).​

Burglary

​Under 720 ILCS 5/19-1, a person commits burglary if they enter property without authority with the intent to commit a felony or theft. These properties include buildings, trailer homes, watercraft, aircraft, motor vehicles, and railroad cars. Burglary is a Class 2 felony, unless it is committed in a school, daycare center, residence, or place of worship (outside of a private residence), in which case it is a Class 1 felony. In addition, a person can be found to have committed possession of burglary tools if they possess any device suitable for use to break into a building or other property with intent to commit a felony or theft. For example, if you possess a key designed for picking a lock, it can be inferred that there is the intent to commit a felony or theft. Possession of tools like this is a Class 4 felony. Similar to theft, intent is very important to any burglary charge. A person cannot be charged with burglary unless the intent (awareness and purpose) to commit a felony or theft is present (otherwise, for example, they could be charged with trespass instead). Defenses for burglary charges can include permission to enter a particular property or lack of intent to commit a felony or theft.

Contact Illinois Criminal Defense Attorneys

​The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Beck & Houlihan, P.C., are well-equipped to handle a variety of criminal charges that may be brought against you. To meet with one of our criminal defense attorneys, contact our law firm at 630-398-3185. From our office in Wheaton, we serve clients in DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties.