English
Polski
EspañolMultilingual Staff | Available 24/7
When facing Chicago, IL, robbery charges, you’re looking at years, if not decades, behind bars and crippling fines. The surge in aggravated and armed robberies in Illinois has led to stringent penalties, making it almost impossible to fight such a charge alone.
Securing experienced legal representation immediately is critical for your case. The experience, knowledge, and resources of a robbery lawyer in Chicago, IL, can make a difference in how your case is handled and tried.
The Hirsch Law Group’s skilled criminal defense attorney stands ready to fight for your rights and protect you from the severe aftermath of a conviction. They will explain your charges, lay out your options, and prepare a strong defense strategy for you.
If you or your loved one is under investigation for robbery, you must act fast. Your lawyer will make sure your rights aren’t violated, and you don’t implicate yourself.
In Illinois, robbery is divided into three categories, depending on the circumstances of the crime. Regardless, they all come with severe penalties.
1. Robbery
According to 720 ILCS 5/18-1, robbery is a Class 2 felony and involves knowingly taking another person’s property by force or threat of force.
2.Aggravated Robbery
Aggravated robbery is a severe and non-probationable offense. As per 720 ILCS 5/18-5, a person is charged with aggravated robbery if:
While committing robbery, they indicate verbally or by action to have a firearm or a dangerous weapon.
They commit robbery by delivering a controlled substance to the victim by deception or force.
3.Armed Robbery
Armed robbery is a Class X felony, the most severe in Illinois. Under 720 ILCS 5/18-2, a person commits armed robbery when they rob someone’s property, and either carry a dangerous weapon, carry a firearm, use the firearm, or use the firearm while committing robbery and cause serious injury or death. Each of these elements leads to different penalties, with the last one carrying the heaviest.
Robbery penalties depend on the circumstances of the offense and the existence of aggravating factors such as injuries or death. Here are the potential penalties for robbery as provided for under Illinois law:
Robbery is a Class 2 felony subject to a fine of up to $25,000 and a prison sentence of three to seven years. However, if the victim is 60 or older, or the crime is committed in a school, child care center, or a place of worship, robbery is charged as a Class 1 felony punishable by a fine of up to $25,000 and a sentence of four to 15 years.
Aggravated robbery is a Class 1 felony leading to a fine of up to $25,000 and a prison term of four to 15 years.
Armed robbery is a Class X felony subject to a fine of up to $25,000 and a minimum of 6 to 30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. In addition to the sentence imposed by the court, the offender may face:
An additional 15 years if they carried a firearm
An additional 20 years if they used a firearm
An additional 25 years if they caused serious injury, permanent disability, or death using a firearm
For the prosecution to charge you with robbery of any type, the following four elements must be satisfied and proven beyond a reasonable doubt:
Taking Property from Another Person
This element refers to the act of forcefully taking someone else’s property using physical force or threats of violence. The property taken may be tangible or intangible, including money, jewelry, or electronics.
Carrying the Property Away
The accused must have control over the taken property either by carrying it away or interfering with the victim’s possession of it.
Intent to Deprive the Person in Possession of the Item
The prosecution needs to establish that the accused had the intent to remove the item from the possessor entirely.
Taking the Property Through the Use of Force or Threats
Robbery involves the use of force or threat of force to take property from someone. Without proof of force, threats of force, or involvement of a weapon, a robbery charge has no standing.
Robbery and theft crime attorneys can craft solid defenses tailored to your case details. Possible defenses they can use include:
Lack of intent
Mistaken identity
Lack of force during the alleged crime
Innocence
Entrapment
Intoxication
Duress
Facing robbery charges in Chicago, IL, is a daunting experience, particularly because your freedom and future are at stake. To be able to fight them, you must choose a criminal defense attorney who’s experienced in handling robbery cases.
An experienced criminal defense attorney can work towards:
Getting your charges dismissed
Achieving an acquittal
Reaching a favorable plea deal with the prosecution
Penalties for robbery depend on the unique circumstances of each case. Therefore, you require an experienced robbery lawyer to increase your chances of a favorable ruling. Illinois robbery lawyers understand state laws and are familiar with criminal proceedings. They can provide invaluable support and guidance throughout the legal process.
Illinois robbery attorneys can thoroughly investigate your case to gather favorable that can weaken the prosecution’s case against you. They will analyze police reports, interview witnesses, and examine surveillance footage if available. With these details, they can identify possible inconsistencies or violations.
To protect your freedom, reputation, and future, consider contacting an aggressive criminal defense attorney from Hirsch Law Group. Fighting your robbery, aggravated robbery, or armed robbery charges alone may jeopardize any chances you have to secure a favorable outcome.
Our experienced legal team has the resources, experience, and knowledge to give your case a chance of success. Contact our law office today for a free consultation.
A plea deal is an agreement between a defendant and the prosecution. It usually involved pleading guilty in exchange for a lesser charge or a reduced/deferred sentence.
