Accused of Theft, Burglary, or Robbery?
Theft-related charges in Illinois range from petty theft to violent robbery. Every one of them can permanently damage your record, your employment prospects, and your future. Depending on the value of the property, your criminal history, and whether force was involved, you could be facing a misdemeanor or a felony, including mandatory prison time.
Types of Theft-Related Charges in Illinois
Illinois criminal law defines several distinct property-related offenses. The most common include:
Theft
Taking control of property without permission and with the intent to deprive the owner permanently. This includes:
Shoplifting
Employee theft
Auto theft
Theft by deception
Online or identity-based theft
Possession of stolen property
Penalties depend on the value of the item stolen and whether it was taken from a school, government agency, or vulnerable person.
Burglary
Unlawfully entering a building or structure with the intent to commit a felony or theft inside. Burglary includes:
Breaking into homes or businesses
Entering garages, trailers, or sheds
Vehicle burglary (separate charge under 720 ILCS 5/19-1(b))
Using tools or force to gain access (may lead to possession of burglary tools charges)
Burglary is usually charged as a Class 2 felony, punishable by 3–7 years in prison, but can be enhanced to a Class 1 felony if the building is a school, church, or residence.
Robbery / Armed Robbery
Robbery involves taking property from someone by force or threat. Armed robbery includes the use or possession of a dangerous weapon.
Robbery: Class 2 felony (3–7 years prison)
Armed robbery: Class X felony (6–30 years prison, no probation)
Robbery involving a firearm adds 15–25 years or more to the sentence
Robbery is among the most serious charges in Illinois and requires a strategic, immediate legal response.
Penalties for Theft and Property Crimes
Illinois generally uses a value-based system for most theft charges:
Under $500 (not from a person): Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail)
$500 to $10,000: Class 3 felony (2–5 years prison)
$10,000 to $100,000: Class 2 felony (3–7 years prison)
Over $100,000: Class 1 felony or higher
If theft is committed from a person (e.g., pickpocketing), on school grounds, or from a government agency, felony charges may apply regardless of value.
Burglary and robbery do not require actual theft to occur — only intent to steal or the use of force. That means someone can face life-altering charges even if nothing was taken.
Defenses Against Theft, Burglary, and Robbery Charges
We build tailored defense strategies based on the unique facts of each case, including:
Lack of intent — accidental or mistaken possession is not theft
Consent — if the owner gave permission
Mistaken identity — especially in robbery cases based on poor eyewitness testimony
No entry with criminal intent — for burglary cases, intent must be proven at the time of entry
Illegal search or seizure — property unlawfully found or seized
False accusations — especially in domestic or employer-related theft disputes
Duress or coercion — acting under threat
We also negotiate for charge reductions, deferred prosecution, or alternative sentencing when appropriate.
217 Law Attorneys
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Courtney Anderson
Courtney practices criminal defense, family law, and personal injury. Never shy of a difficult or high-profile case, she has won numerous awards for her advocacy, including recently being selected as a finalist for top lawyer in Macon County.
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Fallon Conner
Fallon practices criminal defense and family law. As a former prosecutor, she has unique insight into the criminal justice system. She enjoys being in the courtroom and has a great track record of success in bench and jury trials.
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Zach Anderson
Zach focuses on helping injured clients with workers compensation, personal injury, and products liability claims. He has successfully resolved multiple single-party injury cases for over $1 million, and has helped recover millions for users of bad products.
We want to work with you.
Phone:
217-217-0217
Address:
132 S. Water St., Suite 628. Decatur, IL 62523
Email:
info@217law.com
Where We Work:
We help clients throughout the 217 area code with injury claims and general civil litigation. We practice criminal defense and family law in Macon and surrounding counties.
