Hamilton & Antonsen
Illinois theft Criminal defense Attorney
What to do if you have been been arrested and charged with a theft offense in Will County
Being charged with theft may sound like a minor offense, but in Illinois the term theft is used to encompass many different types of crimes that can come with serious penalties upon conviction. If you or someone you know has been arrested and charged with a theft offense in Will County, you need to speak with an expert in Illinois criminal defense as soon as possible. An experienced criminal defense attorney can start protecting and defending your rights from the moment of arrest. The Joliet attorneys at Hamilton & Antonsen will protect your freedom and rights. To find out more about how our Will County attorneys will aggressively fight for you, call the office or contact us today.
What is Theft in Illinois?
Theft is an umbrella term in Illinois that can refer to a number of different crimes; however, theft broadly refers to when a person knowingly obtains unauthorized control of another person’s property generally. Theft in Will County is charged when someone’s property is taken through deception, by using threats, or when possession of known stolen property occurs. Under this definition, theft could refer to the taking of something small and petty or property worth thousands of dollars.
Some of the most common types of theft include the following:
- Retail theft
- Auto theft
- Burglary
- Online theft
- Identity theft, and more.
What are the Consequences of a Theft Conviction in Illinois
The penalties for theft are determined by the value of the property taken and can range from a Class A misdemeanor offense to a Class X felony. The penalties can also be elevated depending on where the theft occurred, such as at a school or place of worship, and who it was taken from, like an elderly person or government entity. The punishment for theft crimes can include the following:
- Class A Misdemeanor
up to 1 year in jail, and up to $2,500 in fines - Class 4 Felony
1 to 3 years in jail, and up to $25,000 in fines - Class 3 Felony
2 to 5 years in jail, and up to $25,000 in fines - Class 2 Felony
3 to 7 years in jail, and up to $25,000 in fines - Class 1 Felony
4 to 15 years in jail and up to $25,000 in fines - Class X felony
6 to 30 years in jail, and up to $25,000 in finesGiven the wide range of possible jail terms and fines, it is critical that you have only the most experienced Will County defense attorney representing your case. An expert in Will County criminal defense will be able to critically review your case, find the weak points of the prosecution, and zealously advocate for you in court. Our Joliet attorneys will be there for you from the moment of arrest, during arraignment, and through your trial defending and protecting your rights as the accused.
Criminal Law Topics of Interest
For more information regarding some specific aspects of DUI & criminal law in Joliet and the greater Will County area, please see the topics below
Speak with an experienced criminal law Attorney
To learn more about how our office can provide you with the best possible defense after an accusation of theft. Call Hamilton & Antonsen in Joliet at 815.729.9220 or contact us to schedule a free case evaluation today.