Archives for: June 12th, 2021

Do You Have to Steal Something to Be Charged with Illinois Burglary?

Jun 12, 2021

Burglary is an oft-misunderstood crime.

Take the case of two 14-year-old boys in McHenry, Illinois. The juvenile suspects were arrested for the destruction of the former Just For Fun Roller Rink. The business had closed permanently in late 2020, and the boys started a fire in the empty rink. The flames quickly got out of hand.

One juvenile was charged with arson, burglary, and criminal damage to property, all felonies of varying classes. The other was charged with criminal trespass, [...]

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Rash of Robberies Near North Chicago Has Residents Demanding Help

Mar 12, 2020

Robbery | Theft

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 [...]

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Stealing from a Car – Even an Unlocked One – Is Burglary in Illinois

Nov 1, 2019

Burglary

For many, burglary and theft are two very different things – one just means taking things that don’t belong to you, while the other refers to breaking into a house or store to take those things. While there is some truth to that line of reasoning, it’s not completely correct. The legal definition of burglary can be much different, and more encompassing, than what most people often assume.

Take, for example, the case of three teenagers who were arrested in [...]

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

Oct 10, 2019

Burglary | Robbery | Theft

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 [...]

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What are the Most Common Criminal Charges in Chicago?

Apr 6, 2015

Criminal Defense

While internationally renowned for its influential comedy scene, groundbreaking food and drink venues, and diverse neighborhoods, Chicago is also known for its high crime rates. In response to the prevalence of gang violence, sex trafficking, and drug use throughout the city, local police and public officials have invested millions of dollars hunting down and incarcerating criminals.

According to FBI statistics, there are certain types of criminal arrests and charges that have been more common than others in [...]

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