Waukegan, IL Robbery Defense Lawyer

Aggressive Criminal Defense Attorney for Charges of Robbery in Waukegan, Illinois

If you are accused of taking somebody else's property by force, you could be facing years in prison for a conviction. After an arrest for a robbery charge, the best thing you can do is to seek legal counsel for your protection. A Waukegan, IL robbery defense attorney can represent you in court and explore different legal strategies to protect your rights.

Robbery charges should be treated seriously, as certain factors in an arrest can lead to aggravated charges that will result in much stricter prosecution. At Law Office of Theodore S. Potkonjak, we are well-versed in criminal defense, including crimes of violence. We can discuss your options with you to defend against a robbery charge, examining all possible defenses and mitigating factors.

What Is the Difference Between Robbery and Theft?

Although robbery and theft both involve taking someone else's property, the key difference lies in how the act is carried out. Theft is the unlawful taking of property without the owner's consent, typically without any physical confrontation. Robbery, on the other hand, involves the use or threat of force to take somebody else's property.

For example, shoplifting merchandise from a store would usually be charged as retail theft. However, if someone pushes a security guard while trying to escape, that same incident could become robbery. Since robbery involves a threat to personal safety, it is treated as a violent felony under Illinois law and punished far more severely than ordinary theft.

How Is Robbery Prosecuted in Illinois?

In Illinois, robbery is defined under 720 ILCS 5/18-1 as taking property from another person by the use of force or by threatening the imminent use of force. The offense is a Class 2 felony, punishable by three to seven years in prison. However, if the victim is 60 years of age or older, disabled, or if the robbery occurs in a school, place of worship, or day care center, the charge is elevated to a Class 1 felony, carrying four to 15 years in prison.

Aggravated robbery is an even more serious charge. It occurs when the offender indicates they are armed with a firearm or other dangerous weapon, even if no actual weapon is present. This offense is classified as a Class 1 felony. Armed robbery, the most severe version, applies when a real weapon is used. It is a Class X felony, which can result in six to 30 years in prison, with potential sentence enhancements if a firearm is discharged or someone is injured.

Prosecutors often push for strict penalties in robbery cases, especially if a weapon was involved. A conviction can permanently alter your life, impacting future employment, housing, and your criminal record.

Defenses Against Robbery in Waukegan

Building a defense in a robbery case depends on the specific facts behind the arrest and all of the available evidence. A skilled defense attorney can examine police reports, surveillance footage, and witness statements to identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case. Possible defenses include mistaken identity, lack of intent, or lack of evidence. For instance, if the prosecution cannot demonstrate there was an intentional threat of force or that you knowingly took property from another person, the case against you could be called into question.

In some cases, false accusations arise due to misunderstandings or unreliable witnesses. Eyewitness misidentification is especially common in robbery cases, where stress or poor lighting can lead to inaccurate descriptions. If you are accused of robbery in Waukegan, you should exercise your right to remain silent and contact a defense lawyer immediately.

Meet With a Waukegan Robbery Defense Attorney

An experienced attorney can help protect your freedom and guide you through every stage of the criminal process. To schedule a free consultation with Law Office of Theodore S. Potkonjak, call our office at 847-263-1200 or contact our Waukegan robbery defense lawyer. We represent residents of Lake, McHenry, Cook, and DuPage Counties.