This is my next post in a series of articles which address the defense of Class 3 felony theft charges in Peoria, Illinois. My last article provided an overview of the topics we will be discussing throughout the series, from how Illinois classifies theft as a Class 3 felony to the specifics of the legal process. The article also pointed out how important it is to retain legal counsel immediately after being charged. An experienced attorney can offer support and strategy to give you the best outcome possible. In this article, I will address when theft rises to the level of a Class 3 felony. Felony charges carry harsh penalties and can follow a person for the rest of their life. Additional charges can increase an individual’s potential penalties. If you have been charged with such an offense then contact my office today to speak with a criminal defense lawyer.
Theft will be a Class 3 Felony in Illinois when the amount involved is between $500 and $10,000
Illinois law, 720 ILCS 5/16-1, considers theft a Class 3 felony when the value of the stolen property is between $500 and $10,000 and the theft did not occur from a person directly. However, the charge may escalate to a more serious felony class if the property was taken from a school, place of worship, or government property, or if the offender has prior convictions. The penalties for a Class 3 charge in Illinois could include two to five years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines. Probation may be available for first-time offenders, but this depends largely on the facts of the case and the Judge’s discretion.
Many individuals do not realize that a theft charge can often be accompanied by additional felony charges, such as burglary or criminal trespass. For example, prosecutors can charge a person with burglary in addition to felony theft if they unlawfully entered a building with the intent to steal property. Additional charges make cases more complex and increase the potential sentence. Consider the following example. A Peoria resident is caught inside a commercial warehouse after hours where surveillance shows them putting tools and other equipment into their truck worth $5,000. Law enforcement arrive and arrest the individual. The suspect may be charged with Class 3 felony theft for the value of the stolen items as well as burglary for unlawfully entering the warehouse with intent to commit theft.
Individuals facing felony theft charges need to hire an attorney as soon as possible
The impact of a felony theft conviction can be devastating beyond the prospect of incarceration or fines. A felony on your criminal record can make it extremely difficult to rebuild your life. Individuals with felonies on their record often face difficulty getting employment, housing, public benefits, or professional licenses. Felony theft is a legal issue that will not simply go away or be resolved without legal consequences. If you have been charged or are under investigation then you need to speak with a criminal defense attorney immediately. A qualified lawyer can review the charges, assess whether your constitutional rights were violated, and negotiate with the prosecution early in the process.
I am a Peoria criminal defense lawyer and have dedicated my practice to defending those facing serious criminal charges as I believe every person deserves aggressive legal representation. Contact my office online or by phone to schedule an initial consultation. We also serve clients in Bloomington, Decatur, Eureka, Galesburg, Morton, Normal, Pekin, Springfield, and Washington and 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.