While robbery and burglary are sometimes mentioned together, they are distinct offenses under Illinois law, each carrying serious criminal penalties and long-term consequences. Both involve property or theft-related conduct, but the key difference lies in how and where the crime occurs. However, both are felony offenses that can result in years in prison, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record. At the Law Offices of Andrew Weisberg, our Chicago Illinois defense lawyers can represent you if you are facing robbery and burglary charges.

Read on to learn how Illinois law differentiates robbery from burglary and what penalties apply to each so you can make informed decisions.

The Legal Differences and Penalties: Robbery vs. Burglary

Although robbery and burglary are sometimes discussed together, Illinois law treats them as separate crimes with distinct legal elements, victims, and penalties. The difference largely depends on whether the offense involves direct confrontation with a person or unlawful entry into a property.

Robbery in Illinois

Under 720 ILCS 5/18-1, robbery occurs when a person knowingly takes property from another by using force or threatening the use of force. The defining feature of robbery is personal confrontation, as it involves direct interaction with a victim, which makes it a violent offense under Illinois law.

• Penalties: Robbery is a Class 2 felony, carrying 3 to 7 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000. However, if the victim is 60 years or older, disabled, or if the offense occurs in a school, daycare, or place of worship, the charge increases to a Class 1 felony, with a potential imprisonment of 4 to 15 years.
• Armed Robbery: If the offender is armed with a dangerous weapon, firearm, or other device capable of causing serious harm, the charge escalates to armed robbery (720 ILCS 5/18-2), a Class X felony, with 6 to 30 years in prison or more, depending on the weapon used.

Burglary in Illinois

In contrast, burglary under 720 ILCS 5/19-1 involves entering or remaining in a building, vehicle, trailer, or structure without authority and aiming to commit a felony or theft inside. Burglary does not require a victim to be present or any use of force. The act of unlawful entry, combined with criminal intent, is enough for a burglary charge.

• Penalties: Most burglaries are classified as Class 2 felonies, punishable by 3 to 7 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines. If the burglary occurs in a residential dwelling, it becomes a residential burglary, a Class 1 felony, which carries a sentence of 4 to 15 years in prison.
• Aggravated Burglary: If the offender causes injury or possesses a weapon during the offense, the charge may be elevated, resulting in more severe sentencing.

The key distinction lies in the nature of the act. Robbery is a theft-related offense committed directly by a person through force or intimidation. On the other side, burglary involves entering a property with criminal intent, regardless of whether anything was taken or anyone was harmed.

Basically, robbery targets people while burglary targets places. An attorney can explain these differences, potential defense strategies, sentencing guidelines, and plea options associated with the two offenses.

Defending Against Robbery and Burglary Charges in Illinois

Facing a robbery or burglary charge in Illinois can be intimidating, especially because both are classified as felony offenses. A conviction can result in years in prison, huge fines, and a criminal record that impacts employment, housing, and civil rights. However, with a well-prepared defense, it is possible to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and protect your future. Common defenses to robbery charges include:

• Mistaken identity
• Lack of force or threat
• False accusations
• Lack of intent

On the other side, burglary cases hinge on entry and intent, and the defense may focus on showing that one or both elements were not present.

• No Intent to commit a crime
• Permission or lawful entry
• Insufficient evidence
• Constitutional violations

A strategic defense focuses on dismantling the prosecution’s case piece by piece. An Illinois defense attorney can question witness credibility, challenge evidence handling, and expose inconsistencies in police reports.

Facing Robbery or Burglary Charges? Call a Skilled Chicago Defense Attorney

Robbery and burglary charges in Illinois may involve serious felony allegations. It is important to work with a defense attorney to ensure that your rights are upheld and that the prosecution is held to its burden of proof. The Law Offices of Andrew Weisberg stands ready to represent you in your property and violent crimes charges. If you or someone you know is facing robbery or burglary charges in Illinois, call us at 773-908-9811 or contact us online today for a confidential case evaluation.

The crime trends of 2020 in Chicago were a bit surprising. While shootings at police officers increased, other crimes such as robbery were the lowest they’ve been in years.

This is thought to be an effect of the shutdown of much of the city due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, overall crime dropped a staggering 7 percent compared to the same 10-month period in 2019.

Still, robbery is an issue that many citizens of Chicago have to deal with or have been a part of. Here’s what you need to know about robbery charges in Illinois and the penalties that can be faced if found guilty of these charges.

What Is Robbery Under Illinois Law?

Under the law in Illinois, robbery is when a person takes the property of another with the use of the threat of imminent force or by force. It is considered a violent felony in the state, but it can be charged as either a Class 2 felony or a Class 1 felony.

In most cases, robbery is considered a Class 2 felony. But it will be charged as a Class 1 felony if the victim was handicapped or over age 60 or if the crime took place in a house of worship, nursing home, or daycare center.

Aggravated robbery can also be charged if the crime was committed while armed with a dangerous weapon or if the victim was given a controlled substance without their consent. In this case, it’s a Class 1 felony charge.

What About Armed Robbery?

You’ve likely heard the term armed robbery before and that is another robbery charge that can be faced in Illinois.

When a robbery is committed and a firearm is carried or discharged during the commission of the crime, then that is considered armed robbery.

It is a Class X felony in Illinois, and being found guilty can add many years onto a robbery sentence through an enhanced penalty – up to 15 years maximum.

Penalties for Robbery in Illinois

The penalties for the different levels of robbery charges are:

Class 2 Felony

This carries with it a prison sentence of up to seven years and fines of as much as $25,000 if convicted.

Class 1 Felony

This carries with it a prison sentence of up to 15 years and fines of as much as $25,000.

Defenses Against an Illinois Robbery

If you’re facing any level of robbery charges, then it’s important to understand your rights and to hire an attorney to help represent you in court.

Once your attorney knows the circumstances of your specific case, then they can work with you to formulate the best defense. Common defenses against robbery charges include:

Innocence

If you didn’t commit the crime, then you need to make that known to the judge, jury, and prosecution in your case.

Remember, in criminal prosecutions, it’s the job of the government to prove you are guilty. That is called the burden of proof and the case must be proven by them beyond a reasonable doubt.

Any evidence you can provide that you didn’t commit the crime will undermine their case and has a better chance of setting you free.

Entrapment

The other common defense to a robbery crime is entrapment. This defense can be a valid one when you have committed a crime, but it was because you were pushed by another person.

The key to its validity is the reasonable belief that you would not have committed the crime on your own. When this is true, then entrapment is an important defense option.

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. His work has been recognized by Avvo, Expertise, National Trial Lawyers, and others, and he has been featured on countless news outlets for his experience and knowledge in criminal law.

To the Chicago residents packed tightly together at the Lake Shore Park field house this January, a rash of recent robberies is all that’s on their mind. They want to know how to prevent themselves from being targeted and what they can do to bring these robberies to an end. Most importantly, they want to know how police are going to help.

These concerned Chicago citizens have reason to worry. Robberies in the state have been on a steady decline since 2016, but robberies in some of Chicago’s most prosperous neighborhoods seem to be on the rise.

What many don’t realize is that it is not just the robberies themselves they should be worried about. Often, when a specific area is called out for crime, law enforcement officials tend to focus efforts there. This can lead to a decrease in criminal activities, but far too often crackdowns like these result in overzealous policing.

If you find yourself accused by the police – or even charged – what should you do? Here’s what you need to know about Illinois robbery law, charges, and associated penalties.

Illinois Robbery: What the Law Says

In Illinois, robbery is considered a violent crime. The state recognizes three different types of robbery charges: robbery, armed robbery, and aggravated robbery.

Robbery is defined as a person knowingly taking someone else’s property by threat or force.

Aggravated robbery is defined the same as robbery, but with a few more conditions such as:

• Threatening with a weapon – even if they don’t actually have a weapon on them
• Threatening another with a controlled substance
• Giving a controlled substance to another without consent

Armed robbery is committed when a robbery is committed and:

• A dangerous weapon is involved
• A firearm is involved
• A firearm is discharged
• A firearm is discharged and results in permanent disfigurement, bodily harm, permanent disability, or even death

Finally, if a robbery is committed and the property stolen is a motor vehicle, then a person can be charged with vehicular hijacking or aggravated vehicular hijacking if:

• The victim is disabled or over the age of 60
• There is a passenger in the vehicle under the age of 16
• A firearm was involved
• A firearm was discharged
• A discharged firearm resulted in bodily harm, permanent disfigurement, permanent disability, or death

How Illinois Penalizes Robbery

Every type of robbery is a felony in the state of Illinois. The type of robbery committed determines the felony level of the crime.

Class 2 Felony

Robbery is a Class 2 felony. If found guilty, you can be sentenced to 3-7 years in prison and a maximum fine of $25,000. Upon release from prison, there is a mandatory parole period of two years.

Class 1 Felony

If the victim of the crime was over the age of 60 or disabled or the crime occurred in a daycare facility, school, childcare facility, or place of worship, then it can be elevated to a Class 1 felony, punishable by 4-15 years in prison and a maximum fine of $25,000. It also carries the same parole period after release from prison as a Class 2 felony. Vehicular hijacking and aggravated robbery carry the same penalties as a Class 1 felony.

Class X Felony

Armed robbery is referred to as a Class X felony. The sentence for it is dependent upon the nature of the robbery and is punishable by anywhere from 6-55 years to life in prison. How heavy the sentence depends on the extent of the force used and/or the way the weapon was used during the crime. Class X felonies carry a maximum fine of $25,000 and a three-year mandatory parole period after release. Aggravated vehicular hijacking is a Class X felony as well.

As you can see, robbery is taken very seriously in Illinois. It’s important to know the legal penalties in case you ever get caught up in this situation, as well as what you can to do defend yourself and beat your charges.

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.

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.

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.

That said, facing conviction of a violent crime – one which involves the use of force or threat of force against another – can result in a punishment longer lasting and far more severe. This is generally because these crimes are considered to present a threat to public safety.

Sometimes, the two overlap.

An offender may intend to commit a simple property crime like theft, but a mishap or change in circumstances can result in a more violent scenario.

For instance, someone might attempt to steal from or damage property thought to be vacant but encounters an occupant. Everyone’s surprised, the offender pulls a gun or knife, and suddenly a petty theft becomes something far more grave.

By law, a defendant in these circumstances may be convicted of a violent crime, even if it wasn’t their original intent.

Below, we compare various property and violent crimes, and the circumstances under which a simple property crime can suddenly become violent.

Defining Property Crime and Violent Crime in Illinois

Property crime is an offense committed against the victim’s property. This can include theft, vandalism, destruction and unlawful occupation of a property.

An important discernment, property crimes are characteristically non-violent. In fact, in most simple property crimes, the owner is not even present during the commission of the offense. On the other hand, as the title would suggest, violent crimes are, well…violent.

When an offender does use force or the threat of force to cause bodily injury to the victim or place the victim in reasonable fear of imminent bodily injury or death, the crime is classified as such. Examples include assault, robbery, carjacking, sexual assault, and homicide.

So what are the most common scenarios of intent to commit a simple property crime without harming anyone, but inadvertently encounter the property’s owner or occupant?

In those scenarios, how does the property crime become a violent one?

Illinois Shoplifting vs. Illinois Robbery

In shoplifting, the defendant takes merchandise with the intention to deprive the merchant of its full retail value. In robbery, the defendant takes property directly from a person, including a store employee, and uses force or the threat of force to do so.

In some cases, the defendant may intend to commit shoplifting, but end up using force or the threat of force to take the merchandise, which is considered robbery.

For example, with the intent to shoplift, Sally slips an extra tube of lipstick into her side pocket. On her way out the door, she is stopped by a security guard. When he tries to apprehend her, in an effort to escape, Sally pulls out a knife and threatens to harm him.

Now a simple shoplifting conviction, usually a misdemeanor punishable by probation, becomes armed robbery, a felony-level offense that almost always requires jail time.

Illinois Burglary vs. Illinois Robbery

Burglary is committed when the defendant enters a building or vehicle with the intention to commit theft or a felony-level offense.

As we discussed above, a robbery occurs when the defendant directly takes the property of another by force or threat of force.

Look at Barry. He thinks the home he is breaking into is vacant, intending to steal the occupants’ valuables. However, one of the occupants is home. Barry’s caught off guard and uses force or threat of force to subdue them.

Barry now faces robbery charges. Although both offenses are considered a felony, Barry is likely to face a much longer prison sentence now.

Illinois Grand Theft Auto vs. Illinois Carjacking

Auto theft is a common Chicago criminal offense and is usually a low-level felony. However, if the defendant takes a car directly from its owner or driver using force or the threat of force, this is considered carjacking, a violent offense that is a Class 1 Felony.

Take Carl. He’s in the mall parking lot, attempting to steal an unoccupied car. Let’s say the car’s owner approaches Carl while he’s attempting to hotwire the car.

Carl isn’t armed but tells the driver that he has a gun and will shoot, causing the driver to flee and call the police. Even though he didn’t use force, Carl used the threat of force, so now faces carjacking charges.

We realize these examples are simplified, while real-life situations can be far more complex. Even if the defendant intends only to commit a property crime, unexpected circumstances can cause panic, and “force” can seem at the time the only way to escape or avoid being caught.

In these cases, the defendant will face the criminal consequences of a violent crime, even though this was not his or her original intention.

If you are currently facing violent crime charges for an incident in which you never intended to be such, it may be wise to reach out to a Chicago criminal defense attorney to talk about your best course of action in limiting your consequences.

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.

Robbery is a very serious crime, and in Illinois the charges and consequences associated with it match that seriousness. If convicted, you could face years in prison, hefty fines and a criminal record of violent crime that will living a normal life a lot harder.

Fortunately, not all robbery charges lead to a conviction, but if you want to be able to fight back, it is important to understand the laws – which can be quite complex – and also be aware of the possible defenses.

Illinois Robbery Laws and Penalties

Illinois defines robbery as knowingly taking property from the owner or in the presence of another by the use of force or by threatening imminent use of force. This differs from theft in that force is used to obtain the stolen goods.

Robbery

In most cases robbery is charged as a Class 2 felony, punishable by 3-7 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000.

However, if the victim was over 60 years old or was handicapped, or if the alleged robbery took place in a day care, nursing home, or place of worship, it will be charged as a Class 1 felony, which carries a sentence of 4-15 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.

Aggravated Robbery

Aggravated robbery is defined as committing robbery while indicating to the alleged victim that you are armed with a dangerous weapon, or by giving the alleged victim a controlled substance without his or her consent. This is charged as a Class 1 felony.

Armed Robbery Armed robbery is defined as committing robbery while allegedly carrying or discharging a firearm. This offense is generally charged as a Class X Felony, which carries a mandatory minimum of six years in prison, and up to 30 years. If you discharged the weapon, you may have 15 years added to your prison sentence, or up to life in prison.

Defense Strategies That May Work against Your Robbery Charge

Robbery defenses generally focus upon the actual commission of the crime or the defendant’s intent while committing the crime.

Lack of Evidence

The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime. This means that a significant amount of evidence is necessary for a conviction.

The defense can argue for innocence by undermining the prosecution’s evidence or by presenting evidence casting doubt on whether the defendant committed the crime.

Entrapment

If you were pushed by a third party into committing a robbery that you would otherwise not have committed, you may have an entrapment defense. However, if you intended to commit robbery in the first place, this defense is not valid.

No Property was Taken

If the prosecution cannot prove that property was taken during the alleged offense, this is not considered robbery. However, if the prosecution can prove that you used physical force or threatened to use force against the alleged victim, you will likely face assault charges.

Lack of Intent

To commit robbery, you must intentionally deprive the victim of property that is not yours by use of force. If certain factors, for example intoxication, made you unable to form the intent, this could be part of your defense.

Duress

If you were forced to commit the alleged robbery by a third party under threat of serious physical injury or death, a duress defense may be appropriate. However, this is often difficult to prove for the crime of robbery, as there is usually a sufficient amount of time for the defendant to avoid committing robbery.

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.

There is not just one charge for each violent crime in Illinois. Assault charges may become aggravated assault charges if certain factors are present. Burglary can be charged as “burglary” or “home invasion” depending on the building where the crime occurred.

In this post, we’re going to focus on the different charges in our state that are related to robbery. Since we just wrote about simple robbery charges and the difference between robbery and theft in Illinois, we’re going to skip right past that one. If you’d like more information, click on the above link.

The Various Robbery Charges Defined Under Illinois Law

Armed Robbery

Most crimes are increased when a gun or dangerous weapon is present, and robbery is no different. While robbery is typically a class 2 felony, armed robbery bumps the charges up to a class X felony, the most serious type of crime in Illinois law.

The sentencing guidelines for armed robbery depend on whether or not the robber discharged the weapon or caused bodily harm to victims. Here’s the breakdown:

• Carries, but does not use, a dangerous weapon during crime: Class X felony
• Carries, but does not use, a firearm during crime: Class X felony, with 15 years added to sentence imposed by the court
• Uses firearm during crime: Class X felony, with 20 years added to the sentence imposed by the court
• Uses firearm and causes great bodily injury, permanent disability, permanent disfigurement, or death: Class X felony, with 25 years to life added to the sentence imposed by the court

Aggravated Robbery

Even if the robber does not have a gun or dangerous weapon on them during the crime, they may tell the victim that a dangerous weapon is present to scare the victim into giving over money or property. This threat can bump charges up to aggravated robbery.

Aggravated robbery is a charge given to robbery crimes when aggravating factors are present. In addition to using threats of a dangerous weapon, a crime may become aggravated robbery if:

• The robber takes property after giving the victim a controlled substance without the victim’s consent (or through threat or deception)
• The victim is over the age of 60
• The victim has a physical disability
• The crime is committed in a school, day care center, or place of worship

Aggravated robbery is a class 1 felony. Penalties for class 1 felonies include between 4-15 years in prison and heavy fines.

Vehicular Hijacking/Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking

Robbery charges are also bumped up to a class 1 felonies if a motor vehicle is stolen during the robbery. This charge is called vehicular hijacking.

Charges are elevated further to aggravated vehicular hijacking when:

• The owner of the stolen motor vehicle is over the age of 60 or has a physical disability
• A minor under the age of 16 is a passenger when the vehicle is taken
• A firearm or dangerous weapon is present during the crime
• A firearm is discharged during the crime
• A firearm is discharged and causes great bodily injury, permanent disability, permanent disfigurement, or death

Aggravated vehicular hijacking is a class X felony, with the potential of life in prison.

If you currently face any of the above robbery crimes, you face serious penalties. However, you have many options for mitigating your charges or getting your charges dropped with a strong defense. Talk to an Illinois robbery lawyer immediately to start working on your defense strategy.

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.

If you get caught stealing, you could be charged with theft.

If you get caught stealing, you could be charged with robbery.

Wait, what?

Robbery and theft may seem like different terms for the same action. And in a way, they are. But there are big differences.

If you get charged with theft in Illinois, you can thank your lucky stars you weren’t charged with robbery. Under Illinois state law, the two are completely different crimes with very different penalties.

So, what is the difference?

Theft Definition and Penalties

Theft is committed when an individual obtains unauthorized control over another individual’s property. Basically, theft is the act of stealing someone’s stuff.

Theft is usually done in secret: shoplifting, stealing workplace property, and embezzlement are all committed without confrontation and considered theft under Illinois state law.

Illinois state law has four classifications of theft. Each classification of theft includes a different amount of property stolen, and therefore has different consequences. We have discussed these penalties in previous blog posts: Illinois has one of the lowest felony theft thresholds in the country. Theft of just $300 can saddle you with a Class 4 felony charge. People convicted of a Class 4 felonies typically spend several months in jail.

And it doesn’t stop there. If you steal a designer bag or sneak a few bills from your employer’s cash register, you might have to spend up to three years in prison.

Robbery Definition and Penalties

What shoplifting is to theft, a “stickup” is to robbery. Using imminent force or threats to obtain someone else’s property is considered robbery in the state of Illinois. These types of crimes usually involve direct confrontation. If you snatch a purse from a lady walking down the street, or hold up a convenience store, you may be charged with robbery.

Different situations and factors lead to different types of robbery charges:

Simple robbery is classified as a Class 2 felony. For your first offense, you will face a sentence of three to seven years in jail and/or a maximum fine of $25,000.

If the robbery took place in a school, day care, childcare facility, or place of worship, the crime will be elevated to a Class 1 felony. If you are convicted of a Class 1 felony, you will face a sentence of four to 15 years in prison and/or a maximum fine of $25,000.

Aggravated robbery is also considered a Class 1 felony. Aggravated robbery is a charge used for robberies with certain factors present. These factors can include (but are not limited to):

• Victim was over the age of 60 or under the age of 16
• Victim was handicapped
• The robbery was considered a hate crime
• The robbery caused bodily harm or permanent injury to the victim

If you were armed at the time of the robbery, or discharged a weapon at the time of the robbery, you may be charged with armed robbery, which is considered a Class X felony. This is the most severe felony charge you can receive in Illinois. You may face a sentence of six to 55 years in prison (or life in prison) and/or a maximum fine of $25,000.

If your robbery involves obtaining control of a vehicle through force or threat, you may be charged a different charge altogether. “Vehicular hijacking” is considered a Class 1 felony; “aggravated vehicular hijacking” is considered a Class X felony.

Other Related Charges

Illinois also has specific definitions and penalties for burglary, residential burglary, identity theft, fraud, and other related crimes.

The sentences for all of these crimes are defined by state regulations, the amount of money stolen, the defendant’s prior convictions, and any aggravating factors that may have affected the case.

If you have been charged of a theft-related crime, it is important to learn the specifics behind the charges you are facing so that you know how to fight back.

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.