Waukegan, IL Property Crimes Defense Attorney

Knowledgeable Lawyer Defending Clients Against Charges of Theft and Robbery in Waukegan, Illinois

Crimes involving the theft of other people's property can be prosecuted as low-level misdemeanors or high-end felonies depending on the circumstances behind the act. Regardless of the charges you face, a conviction of a property crime may permanently impugn your reputation. To safeguard your interests, you could benefit by seeking out the services of a criminal defense attorney.

Our Waukegan property crimes defense lawyer at Law Office of Theodore S. Potkonjak can work with you to protect your rights after an arrest. Attorney Theodore Potkonjak will discuss your options with you and strategize around the prosecution, drawing on his past experience as a state's attorney and judge.

Penalties for Theft in Illinois

Illinois divides theft offenses by the value of the property taken and the defendant's prior record. Certain aggravating factors, like stealing from a school or place of worship, can increase the penalties. The penalties for theft in Illinois are as follows:

• For theft of items valued under $500, you could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, which carries up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
• When the value ranges from $500 to $10,000, the charge escalates to a Class 3 felony, punishable by two to five years in prison and fines up to $25,000.
• Theft between $10,000 and $100,000 becomes a Class 2 felony, with three to seven years' incarceration and fines up to $25,000.
• Property worth $100,000 to $500,000 triggers a Class 1 felony, carrying four to 15 years in state prison and similar fines.
• Theft exceeding $500,000 is a Class X felony, punishable by six to 30 years' imprisonment.

Aside from incarceration and fines, a conviction often results in restitution orders, community service mandates, and a permanent criminal record that may affect future employment and housing.

What Is Retail Theft?

Retail theft, commonly called shoplifting, involves taking merchandise from a store without paying or altering price tags to pay less. Illinois law defines retail theft to include concealing items on one's person, transferring goods between containers, or using devices intended to circumvent theft detection.

Retail theft under $300 is a Class A misdemeanor, with penalties mirroring those for general theft at that level. When the stolen merchandise exceeds $300 in total value, the penalty increases to a Class 3 felony. The charge can be further aggravated to a Class 2 felony if the stolen merchandise is worth more than $300 and the offender uses an emergency exit to facilitate the theft.

Repeat offenders face enhanced penalties and may be subject to summary suspension from the store or civil liability under the store's private prosecution statutes. Retailers often collaborate closely with law enforcement, using surveillance footage and employee testimony to build a case.

How Illinois Prosecutes Robbery Charges

Robbery differs from theft in that it involves force or the threat of force to take property directly from a person. Under Illinois law, robbery is a Class 2 felony, regardless of the value of the stolen property. Charges of aggravated robbery apply when the defendant alleges or indicates that they have a firearm, which elevates the charge to a Class 1 felony with four to fifteen years' incarceration. The use of a weapon can also further escalate the charge to armed robbery, a Class X felony, along with potential mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines.

To secure a conviction, prosecutors must prove the defendant knowingly and unlawfully acquired property by force or intimidation. Defendants may challenge the prosecution by disputing identification, arguing lack of intent, or demonstrating that any force used was in lawful self‐defense. Early engagement of experienced counsel is essential to uncover procedural errors, negotiate reduced charges, or pursue acquittal.

Contact a Waukegan, Illinois Property Crime Defense Lawyer

If you have been accused of a property crime, reach out to Law Office of Theodore S. Potkonjak for legal assistance. Call us at 847-263-1200 or contact our Waukegan property crime defense attorney for a free consultation. We handle cases in Lake County, McHenry County, Cook County, and DuPage County.