Aggressive Chicago Criminal Attorneys Fight Theft Charges

Theft: Misdemeanor and Felony Charges

HIRSCH LAW GROUP is well-versed in the theft statutes of the State of Illinois. The offense of theft is either charged as a misdemeanor or felony based upon: (1) the type of property and (2) the value of the property stolen. Theft cases are particularly sophisticated and involve issues of restitution; repayment of the amount of the goods or services allegedly stolen. If you are charged in the State of Illinois with a theft offense, you should not hesitate to contact the HIRSCH LAW GROUP. Our attorneys understand the defenses available in theft cases and will assert your rights.

Contact the Hirsch Law Group

If you are charged with theft, in any form, contact the HIRSCH LAW GROUP now!

CLICK HERE to read the Illinois Theft statute

Felony Theft Charges

Depending on the jurisdiction where the alleged theft occurred, if the value of the merchandise stolen was between $500 – $1,000 criminal charges could be upgraded to a felony. If theft of property occurred at a school, government facility or place of worship, that is taken more seriously and charges could also be upgraded to a felony.

Types of Theft Charges We Defend

  • Vehicular Hijacking / Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking – A conviction of vehicular hijacking is a Class 1 felony that comes with a jail sentence of 4-15 years in prison and a fine not exceeding $25,000. If these charges are upgraded to Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking then you could face Class X felony charges which, if convicted bring a sentence of 6-30 years in prison and a fine not exceeding $25,000.
  • Receiving a Stolen Vehicle – If a vehicle is taken to a chop shop and valued at less than $25,000 then you could be facing Class 2 felony charges. Those charges are upgraded to a Class 1 felony if the value exceeds $25,000.
  • Embezzlement – When a person mishandles assets entrusted to them and are used for unintended purposes. If less then $500 in value is stolen then you could be facing a Class A misdemeanor. $500-$10,000 stolen could result in a Class 3 felony. $10,000 – $100,000 stolen could result in a Class 2 felony. $100,000 – $500,000 stolen could result in a Class 1 felony. If the value of goods or property stolen exceeds $1,000,000 then you could be facing Class X felony charges.
  • Burglary – Burglary occurs when a person enters a place of residence, building, watercraft, aircraft railroad car or motor vehicle with the intent to commit theft.
  • Possession of Burglary Tools – Class 4 felony punishable by 1 – 3 years in prison and a fine up to $25,000.
  • Retail Theft – If a person exits a store through an emergency exit with stolen merchandise, then it is a felony retail theft. Altering a price tag or bar code to get a lower price can also be considered retail theft. Depending on the value of goods stolen will determine if the accused faces misdemeanor charges or felony charges.

Penalties for Misdemeanor and Felony Convictions

  • Class A Misdemeanor – 1 year in jail and up to $2,500 in fines
  • Class 4 Felony – 1-3 years in jail and up to $25,000 in fines
  • Class 3 Felony – 2-5 years in jail and up to $25,000 in fines
  • Class 2 Felony – 3-7 years in jail and up to $25,000 in fines
  • Class 1 Felony – 4-15 years in jail and up to $25,000 in fines
  • Class x Felony – 6-30 years in jail and up to $25,000 in fines

Our Award Winning Attorneys Are Experienced in Fighting Cook County Criminal Theft Charges

At Hirsch Law Group we understand the seriousness of a conviction of theft crimes. This is why we take each case seriously because the outcome can stay on our client’s permanent record affecting their ability to obtain employment, housing and benefits in the future. Our experienced theft attorneys fight criminal charges hard and serve 12 counties in Illinois.