Urbana Theft Crimes Lawyer
There are many theft crimes outlined in the Illinois statutes. Some of these may seem fairly minor, such as retail theft (shoplifting), while others such as armed robbery are far more serious. If you have been charged, it is important that you take the charges seriously. Even a seemingly minor theft charge can turn into something far more serious and leave you open to far more penalties. Our Urbana theft crimes lawyer has the necessary experience with these cases to build the strong defense you need to beat the charges against you.
What Is Theft?
The law defines theft very clearly as occurring any time one person intentionally and knowingly commits any of the following:
- Exerts or obtains control over another person’s property without their consent
- Controls another person’s property through deceptive means
- Obtains or controls another person’s property by use of threats
- Controls or obtains stolen property with the knowledge that the property was obtained illegally, or should have reasonably known the property was stolen
Types of Theft Crimes in Urbana
Theft crimes are usually charged at the state level, but federal charges can also apply. Some of the most common types of theft crimes in Urbana include:
- Robbery
- Armed robbery
- Embezzlement
- White-collar crimes, such as securities fraud or wire fraud
- Auto theft
- Credit card theft
- Possession of stolen property
Burglary is also sometimes referred to as a theft crime. The act of burglary does not necessarily involve any type of theft, though. This offense refers to unlawfully entering a building or other type of structure with the intention of committing a felony or theft once inside. Individuals who are charged with burglary are also often charged with additional theft crimes.
Penalties for Theft Crimes
Due to the wide range of possible theft crimes, the penalties also span from being less severe to extremely harsh. Still, there is no such thing as a minor theft crime and so if you have been charged, you should take it very seriously. The different penalties for theft crimes are as follows:
- Class A misdemeanor: Up to one year in jail and a maximum fine of $2,500
- Class 4 felony: At least one year in jail, and up to three years, as well as a maximum $25,000 fine. All felony theft charges carry this maximum fine.
- Class 3 felony: Between two to five years in jail and the maximum fine.
- Class 2 felony: At three years in jail, and up to seven years, and the maximum fine.
- Class 1 felony: Between four to fifteen years in jail, and the maximum fine.
- Class X felony: The most serious classification of theft crimes, a Class X felony is punishable by six to thirty years in jail and the maximum fine.
Contact Our Theft Crimes Lawyer in Urbana for Free Advice
If you or someone you love has been charged, our Urbana theft crimes lawyer at Patel Law, PC, can provide the sound legal advice you need. Call us today at 217.384.111 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and learn more about the strong defense we can prepare for your case.
