request
X

FREE CONSULTATION

Thank you for your interest in The Law Offices of Andrew M. Weisberg. Please fill out the form below and we will be in touch soon

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

*Indicates Required Fields

bbb-rating

Call Today for a FREE CONSULTATION

SE HABLA ESPAÑOL

(773) 908-9811

(773) 377-4310

AVAILABLE 24 HOURS/7 DAYS

menu

X

request

(773) 908-9811

AVAILABLE 24 HOURS/7 DAYS

FOLLOW US:

Aggressive. Experienced.

Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney
Former Cook County Felony Prosecutor

blog_homeBlog Home

Is It Theft, Robbery, or Burglary? How Illinois Defines Each Crime

Many people use the terms “theft,” “robbery,” and “burglary” interchangeably in daily conversations. Which makes sense. After all, each term – in general – addresses the same topic.

Legally speaking, however, the terms describe three different and specific types of criminal offenses. If you’re facing criminal charges related to stealing something, you need to know the legal definition of each term.

Theft in Illinois

Illinois Statutes Chapter 720 §16-1 defines theft as obtaining the property of someone else through deception or without their permission. “Property” is defined as anything of value.

Theft of property in Illinois includes the following classifications:

  • Class A Misdemeanor – property not taken from the person (directly from the person of another) and valued at $500 or less; punishment is less than one year in prison and up to $2,500 in fines.
  • Class 4 Felony – property not taken from the person and valued at $500 or less and committed in a place of worship or school, or theft was of governmental property, or theft was committed by a person convicted of a similar crime previously; punishment is 1-3 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.
  • Class 3 Felony – property taken from the person and valued at $500 or less, or not from the person and valued at $500-$10,000; punishment is 2-5 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.
  • Class 2 Felony – property taken is valued at $10,000-$100,000; punishment is 3-7 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.
  • Class 1 Felony – property taken is valued at $10,000-$100,000 and crime was committed in a place of worship or school, or theft was of governmental property; punishment is up to 15 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.

Robbery in Illinois

Illinois Statutes Chapter 720 §18-1 defines “robbery” as taking property by threatening to use force or by actually using force. Aggravated robbery, a Class 1 felony, includes the use of a firearm or other dangerous weapon. Robbery is usually a Class 2 felony, but it is considered a Class 1 felony if

  • the victim is 60 years of age and over or has a physical disability, or
  • the robbery occurred in a school, place of worship or daycare home or center.

Burglary in Illinois

Illinois Statutes Chapter 720 §19-1 states that a burglary is committed when, without authority, a person enters or remains in:

  • a building or housetrailer
  • a motor vehicle, railroad car, watercraft, or aircraft

Burglary committed in a building or housetrailer is a Class 2 felony. Burglary that causes damage to one of the listed modes of transportation is a Class 2 felony, and if no damage was done, a Class 3 felony. A Class 1 felony has been committed if the burglary occurred in a school, a place of worship, or a daycare home or center.

Illinois Burglary Defense Attorney

Statute of Limitations in Illinois

In general, misdemeanors in Illinois have a statute of limitations of 18 months. In other words, once 18 months have passed after the date of a crime, you can’t be charged with that crime. The statute of limitations for felony theft, depending on the value of property stolen, is 18 months, three years, or seven years.

 

About the Author:

Andrew M. Weisberg is a former felony prosecutor who now serves as a defense attorney in the greater Chicago area. He has extensive experience in handling all types of criminal cases, from sex offenses and domestic violence to retail theft-related crimes, murder, and drug crimes.

 

Our Blog

Criminal Trespass and Civil Rights in IL: Discrimination and Profiling

Criminal Trespass

Criminal trespass laws are essential for protecting property rights and maintaining public safety. However, the enforcement of these laws can sometimes intersect with civil rights protections, leading to issues such as discrimination, racial profiling, and selective enforcement. In Chicago, individuals facing criminal trespass charges may be caught in these complex dynamics’ crosshairs. In this blog, we will explore the intersection of criminal trespass laws and civil rights protections in Illinois, shedding light on the challenges posed by discrimination and profiling [...]

RICO Act: Implications for White Collar Crime Cases in Chicago

White Collar Crimes

In the realm of combating organized crime and corruption, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act stands as a formidable legal instrument. Originally enacted in 1970, this federal statute has been pivotal in targeting various criminal enterprises, including white-collar crimes.

In Chicago, a city with a complex socioeconomic landscape, understanding the implications of the RICO Act on white-collar crime cases is crucial. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this legislation, its application, potential penalties, defense strategies, and the significance [...]