Being charged with theft, retail theft, or possession of stolen property can be a very stressful experience and may lead to serious jail time if the matter is not handled properly.
Rolling Meadows Criminal Defense Attorney Gbenga Longe understands how important it is to have an experienced attorney on your side of the courtroom to defend you against the charges that you are facing. Attorney Longe helps her clients to identify their priorities and then aggressively pursue courses of action that will help bring about successful resolutions of the matter.
THEFT OFFENSES
The Illinois theft laws are set forth in 720 ILCS sec.16-1 et seq. and include the following offenses, among others:
- Retail Theft – The crime of retail theft is commonly referred to as shoplifting and it involves theft of merchandise from a store or business. There are several other offenses with which a defendant may be charged in addition to retail theft, including removing devices from merchandise that would otherwise prevent theft;
- Theft – A person commits theft by knowingly taking control of someone else’s property without permission with the intent of permanently depriving the owner of it. There are many variations of theft, including theft where the person stealing the property obtains it by the use of deception or threat; and
- Possession of Stolen Property – Possessing property that you know or should have reason to know is stolen also is a form of theft for which you may be charged.
CONSEQUENCES OF CONVICTION
Just as there are a variety of theft crimes in Illinois, there are a variety of consequences for individuals who are convicted of theft. The consequences of a theft conviction are determined by the value of the item or items that were stolen, as well as the circumstances surrounding the act of theft. Some examples of consequences related to theft convictions are as follows:
- Retail Theft – Depending upon the value of the merchandise that was stolen, retail theft can either be a felony or a misdemeanor, and consequences may include fines, jail time, or both; and
- Theft – Theft can be a felony or a misdemeanor, depending upon the value of what was stolen and the circumstances under which it was stolen. For example, if property with a value of between ten thousand and one dollars and one hundred thousand dollars is stolen, the person who is accused of stealing it may be charged with a Class 2 felony, which is punishable by up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to twenty five thousand dollars ($25,000.00).
Providing a Strong Defense for Individuals Accused of Theft in Rolling Meadows and Chicago, Illinois
When you are charged with a theft crime, there is a lot at stake, including your liberty and your future. Theft charges or convictions on your criminal record could interfere with your plans and dreams for years to come if they are not addressed proactively right now. Rolling Meadows Criminal Defense Attorney Gbenga Longe can help you by building a strong defense to the charges that have been brought against you and seeking a dismissal or a reduction of penalties whenever possible. Attorney Longe is dedicated to representing the interests of individuals who have been charged with theft crimes and to working with these individuals to obtain results that reflect their needs and their priorities. Please call our office today to arrange a consultation. Attorney Longe represents clients in the Chicago area including Rolling Meadows, Arlington Heights, and Schaumburg.
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Please call our office today if you have questions about our criminal defense services or to schedule an initial appointment to discuss your case with us.