Schierer & Ritchie, LLC offers experienced criminal defense attorneys in Peoria to protect your rights.
Theft, or larceny, is taking property that does not belong to you. This can occur through unauthorized control, theft by deception, or by threat. Additionally, the person committing the theft must intend to permanently keep the property from the rightful owner, which may include concealing or abandoning the property.
What Is Considered Theft?
Theft, or larceny, involves taking property that does not belong to you through unauthorized control, deception, or threat. The intent must be to permanently deprive the rightful owner of the property, often involving concealment or abandonment.
Consequences of Theft
The consequences of a theft conviction in Illinois depend on various factors, such as the value of the stolen property, the location of the theft, the nature of the offense, and any prior offenses. According to Illinois Statute Section 5/16-1, the penalties are as follows:
- Property Value Up to $500 (Class A Misdemeanor): Fine and less than 1 year in prison.
- Theft in a School, Place of Worship, or Government Property (Class 4 Felony): Fine and 1-3 years in prison.
- Property Value Up to $500 from a Person or $500-$10,000 (Class 3 Felony): Fine and 2-5 years in prison.
- Property Value $10,000-$100,000 (Class 2 Felony): Fine and 3-7 years in prison.
- Property Value $100,000-$500,000 (Class 1 Non-Probation Felony): Fine and 4-15 years in prison.
- Property Value Over $1,000,000 (Class X Felony): Fine and 6-30 years in prison.
Peoria Criminal Defense Attorneys: Let Us Fight for You
Not all theft cases are straightforward. Defenses such as lack of intent to permanently deprive, mistake of fact, coercion, owner’s consent, or intoxication can work in your favor. As Peoria criminal defense attorneys, we diligently examine all facts to protect your rights. Don’t face this challenging time alone. Contact Schierer & Ritchie, LLC for a consultation, and let us fight for your rights.