I've been charged with a property-related crime, now what?
The crime of theft involves obtaining or exerting unauthorized control over property of another by force, deception, or threat, or obtaining control over property knowing that it is stolen or under such circumstances as would reasonably induce someone to believe that the property was stolen; and intending to deprive the owner permanently of the use or benefit of the property; or knowingly using, concealing or abandoning the property in such manner as to deprive the owner permanently of such use or benefit; or using, or abandoning the property knowing such use, concealment or abandonment probably will deprive the owner permanently of use or benefit of the property. (720 ILCS 5/16-1) The punishment for theft varies depending on the value of the property that was stolen and whether or not the property was taken from a person. Possible sentences can range from probation, conditional release, and court supervision, which is not a conviction, to prison terms of up to 30 years.
The owner of the property or land damaged consented to the damage.
An effective defense in a burglary case should include a thorough investigation of the circumstances of the offense with an eye toward any evidence tending to show that the accused lacked the specific intent to commit a theft or felony. Without this specific intent, a burglary prosecution will fail.
You have a right to the assistance of an experienced theft attorney, like JohnPaul Ivec, to help you defend against the charges that you are facing. JohnPaul Ivec can help you navigate the complex criminal process. He will bring 18 years of experience and the invaluable "inside" perspective of a former prosecutor to work for you in your defense. He will scrupulously examine the facts of your theft case and will consider every possible defense to the charges against you. Marshaling his experience and expertise, JohnPaul Ivec will zealously present your best possible defense.
Although sentences for property-related convictions can be very severe, there are provisions of Illinois law that permit leniency, especially for first-time offenders, and crimes involving petty amounts. A knowledgeable and persuasive theft defense attorney like JohnPaul Ivec can protect your freedom and our financial future by advocating for the least onerous punishments that the law allows for property-related convictions.