Theft

Theft charges in Illinois range from minor shoplifting to major felony cases, but all carry the risk of a criminal record, jail time, and lasting collateral consequences like employment barriers or license suspension. As a Joliet criminal defense attorney with over 20 years of experience, including my time as a former Will County prosecutor, I’ve […]

Shoplifting, or retail theft, is a very common criminal charge. Retail theft tends to increase during hard economic times when people cannot always afford to buy the things they need. It also increases during the holidays, in part because crowded stores and malls tend to make easier targets. The rise of the self-checkout has also

If you have been charged with shoplifting, you should understand your legal options and potential defenses. Shoplifting, legally known as retail theft, is a serious offense that can lead to criminal penalties. However, an Illinois lawyer can help you build a vigorous defense and protect your rights. What to Know About Shoplifting Laws in Illinois

Retail theft, also known as shoplifting, is a serious offense that can have significant legal consequences. In the state of Illinois, the severity of retail theft charges depends on various factors such as the value of the stolen merchandise and any prior convictions. If you are facing retail theft charges, an experienced attorney can help

Although the terms theft, burglary, and robbery are sometimes used interchangeably in casual conversation, these are three different criminal offenses under Illinois law. A burglary occurs when someone enters a property with the intent to steal something or commit another felony criminal offense. If you or a loved one were accused of burglary, a skilled

While smash-and-grab robberies are making headlines, retail theft at a smaller scale is also costing retailers billions. Stores and malls alike are elbow-to-elbow with holiday shoppers. Some people may think no one is watching. There is a tendency to take advantage of the crowded atmosphere to take items without paying. However, the penalties for shoplifting

In response to the increased prevalence of organized shoplifting rings in the state, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker recently signed a bill that increases penalties for retail theft. The INFORM Act increases the penalties for organized retail theft to a Class 3 felony offense for items valued at $300 or more. Individuals who commit retail theft

There are certain times of the year when shoplifting occurs more often than other times. This is especially true during holidays, such as the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend sales, when more shoppers descend on malls and other retail establishments. Although retailers are always aware of the possibility of someone attempting to take merchandise without paying

While stealing someone else’s property is generally considered to be wrong, and people are aware that they may face consequences for doing so, some may believe that “minor” forms of theft are less serious. Theft offenses that are often considered minor include retail theft or shoplifting, and people may feel that pocketing an item such

It is all too easy in Illinois to find yourself facing a felony theft charge. The following types of theft are felony crimes: Any theft over $500 in value. (A simple theft of $500 or less is a Class A misdemeanor); A theft of any value committed in a school or place or worship; A

Burglary charges are oftentimes misunderstood. Burglary generally refers to when a person illegally enters another person’s property with intent to commit a crime. Breaking into another’s property alone is not enough to charge someone with burglary. If it cannot be proven that the person intended to commit another crime on the property or inside the

One of the most common crimes in the United States is retail theft, and while it may seem like a victimless crime, it is not. According to the National Retail Federation, inventory shrinkage due to theft or shoplifting cost American retailers nearly $49 billion in 2016. Many retailers have made retail theft a priority of