Frankfort Theft Crime Defense Attorneys

Have You Been Charged with Theft in Illinois?

Theft is the act of taking the property of another without their consent. Theft crimes can range from petty theft to first-degree robbery, depending on the circumstances of the crime and the type of property stolen. Illinois law defines theft crimes as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the value of the stolen property and the circumstances of the theft. If you have been charged with theft, you need a theft crime defense lawyer in Frankfort to protect your rights and fight for a reduced sentence or acquittal if possible.

At PGO Law Firm, our Frankfort theft crime defense attorneys are ready to represent you when you face charges for theft. We understand that you may have been accused of a crime you did not commit, and we will work to investigate the charges against you and prove your innocence. If you have been charged with a felony, we will work to reduce your charges to a misdemeanor.

Request an initial case review online or call (630) 448-8878 today.

What Is Considered Petty Theft in Illinois?

Petty theft is the taking of property from another without their consent, with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property. It is a misdemeanor to steal property valued at $500 or less, with a maximum sentence of one year in jail.

Examples of petty theft include:

• Stealing a shopping cart
• Stealing a wallet or purse
• Stealing a bicycle
• Stealing a car
• Stealing tools or other equipment

If you are accused of petty theft, our Frankfort theft crime attorneys can help you fight the charges against you. Petty theft is considered a "wobbler" in Illinois, which means that it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. It will depend on the circumstances of your case, including the value of the stolen property and any prior theft convictions you may have. If you have been charged with petty theft, we can help you understand your legal options and fight to have your charges reduced.

What Is Considered Retail Theft in Illinois?

Retail theft is the act of stealing the property of a business. It is a Class A misdemeanor to steal property from a business valued at $300 or less, with a maximum sentence of up to one year in jail.

What Are Other Types of Theft in Illinois?

Other theft crimes in Illinois include: 

• Auto theft
• Forgery
• Fraud
• Embezzlement
• Receiving stolen property
• Unauthorized use of a vehicle

If you are accused of any of these theft crimes, our theft crime defense attorneys can help you fight the charges against you. We understand that you may have been wrongly accused, and we will work to prove your innocence. If you have been charged with a felony, we can work to have your charges reduced to a misdemeanor.

How Does the Prosecutor Prove Theft in Court?

To convict you of theft, the prosecution must prove that you took the property of another without their consent, that you intended to permanently deprive the owner of the property, and that you knew the property belonged to someone else. It is possible to be charged with theft even if you accidentally took another person's property or did not intend to permanently deprive the owner of their property.

What Are the Penalties for Theft in Illinois?

The penalties for theft will depend on the type of theft, the value of the stolen property, and any prior theft convictions. For example, petty theft is a Class A misdemeanor and can result in up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine. Embezzlement is a Class 3 felony and can result in 4 to 15 years in prison, depending on the circumstances of the crime.

Contact Our Frankfort Theft Crime Defense Lawyers for a Free Consultation

If you have been charged with theft, do not speak with the police without an attorney present. You may say something that can be used against you later in court. Our Frankfort theft crime defense attorneys can help you understand your legal options and fight to prove your innocence. We understand that you may have been wrongly accused, and our criminal defense lawyers will work to prove your innocence and have your charges reduced if possible.

Contact PGO Law Firm to speak with a theft crime lawyer in Frankfort for a case review. Call (630) 448-8878 today.