This is the next post in my series on the handling of embezzlement charges in Peoria, Illinois. My last article provided an overview of topics which this series will be addressing. It also stressed the need to immediately speak with a criminal defense attorney if you or a loved one have been arrested. It is important that you speak with counsel sooner, rather than later, so that steps can be taken to ensure that your rights remain protected. In this article I will discuss an important topic – our state’s penalties for a conviction. If you are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a lawyer.
Illinois may charge embezzlement as a felony or a misdemeanor
The penalties for an Illinois embezzlement conviction will depend on the value of the property taken as well as whether the victim was part of a special class of entities. Depending on the nature of the allegations, a defendant can face either misdemeanor or felony charges. The breakdown of how our state penalizes embezzlement is as follows:
- If the assets were taken from a non-person (such as a corporation) and have a value of less than $500, then the accused will face Class A misdemeanor charges, up to one year of incarceration, and a fine of up to $2,500.
- If assets with a value between $500 and $1,000 were taken from an individual, then a defendant will face Class 3 felony charges. Such an offense carries a penalty of two to five years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.
- If the value of the property is between $10,000 and $100,000 then Class 2 felony charges will be brought. These charges can result in three to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.
- For cases involving assets with a value between $100,000 and $500,000, a Class 1 felony case will be filed. The accused will face between four and fifteen years in prison as well as a fine of up to $25,000.
- For assets of $500,000 or more, the accused with face Class 1 felony charges and will not be eligible for probation
There are several circumstances which under these potential penalties may be elevated. For example, if a defendant has prior convictions then they will face more serious penalties. Also, if the assets were taken from a place of worship, a governmental entity, or a victim over the age of sixty, then the accused will face steeper charges. Obviously Illinois’ penalties for embezzlement are quite serious.
Peoria defendants may face additional allegations when charged with embezzlement
It is is important for defendants to understand that they may also be charged with other counts of criminal conduct. If, for example, an accused person is alleged to have forged a signature, in order to commit the offense, then they may also face allegations of fraud. Depending on the facts of the case, the Court may require that time for a fraud conviction be served consecutively to time for an embezzlement conviction; this means that the defendant would have to complete the time for one count before they are considered to be serving the second count. How the prosecutors and judges will handle a given matter will always depend on the specific facts of the case.
If you or a loved one have been arrested then contact my office today to speak with a Peoria embezzlement lawyer. I am a former prosecutor who is experienced in handling such matters. I strive to provide each of my clients with the highest quality of representation. We are ready to assist you. Call today to speak with an attorney. We also service the cities of Bloomington, Decatur, Eureka, Galesburg, Morton, Normal, Pekin, Springfield, and Washington. We also serve the counties of Fulton, Knox, LaSalle, Marshall, Mason, McLean, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, and Woodford. Additional areas where we handle federal cases include Benton, Chicago, East St. Louis, Springfield, and Urbana.