Woodridge Theft Defense Lawyer

How Our Woodridge Theft Defense Attorneys Can Help You

When you’re facing theft charges, the consequences can be overwhelming. It’s normal to feel emotional or frustrated when you have been accused of theft. During such a difficult time, however, it is important to remember that you have rights and legal options. An accomplished theft defense lawyer with Wolfe & Stec can examine the facts of your case and work hard to protect your rights.

With the stakes so high, only the most successful and proven criminal defense representation is acceptable. Our knowledgeable theft defense lawyers in Cook County, Illinois, can provide you with exactly that.

Theft charges can range from petty larceny and auto theft to burglary and identity theft. The criminal consequences for these charges can be very serious, including fines, probation, and significant jail time. If you are facing theft-related charges in Illinois, contact the experienced Woodridge theft defense lawyers at Wolfe & Stec.

Categories of Theft in Illinois

Our Woodridge Theft Defense Attorneys Will Fight to Protect You

Because they happen so frequently, many people believe that theft charges are not very serious. This misconception is especially prevalent when it comes to shoplifting charges.

No matter whether a charge is categorized as a felony or a misdemeanor, a criminal conviction can affect the rest of your life. That is why it is so important to secure the services of an accomplished lawyer for theft charges.

In the state of Illinois, there are many different types of theft charges. Theft occurs when one party takes another person’s property without their knowledge or authorization. Theft can take many different forms. But no matter what kinds of accusations you’re facing, our knowledgeable Woodridge theft defense lawyer can help you fight for a fair outcome in your case.

Some of the most common ways in which theft can occur include:

Property Theft

Theft of property involves taking items directly from a person. Purse-snatching and pickpocketing without the threat of force fall into this category. If the perpetrator uses or threatens force, the action qualifies as a “robbery.” Property theft also includes stealing from someone else’s space or belongings, even if they are not around at the time.

“Burglary” is a particular type of property theft. Specifically, burglary involves trespassing to take property without permission. “Retail theft” occurs when someone steals from a store or business.

Theft Through Deception

Some instances of theft involve deceiving the victim. Suppose that a person pretends to be a landlord in order to illegally collect rent money from tenants. This is an example of theft by deception.

Another example is collecting payments for goods or services with no intention of providing them to the paying party. This type of scam also qualifies as theft.

Theft by Threat

If the perpetrator intimidates the victim in order to steal from them, the theft is classified as “theft by threat.” This category of theft does not require the use or threat of physical force. Theft by threat can also involve extortion or blackmail. Any threat to take an action that would cause harm to the victim can influence the categorization of the theft.

Possessing Stolen Property

If you knowingly possess stolen property, this qualifies as a type of theft. Legally, possessing stolen assets is the same as if you had initially taken the property. The penalties for this type of theft are dependent, in part, on the value of the property in question.

No matter what the nature of the accusations against you might be, it is vital to contact the experienced Woodridge theft defense attorneys at Wolfe & Stec. If you have allegedly stolen property, our theft defense lawyer will ensure that your rights are protected.

Woodridge Theft Charges and Penalties

Defend Your Rights by Contacting a Criminal Defense Lawyer for Theft Charges

Several factors can influence the type of theft charge that applies in a given case. Depending on the value of the property that was stolen, the theft charge may be a misdemeanor or a felony.

Felonies are more serious criminal charges than misdemeanors. Still, any type of theft charge can have serious consequences.

The way the person allegedly committed the theft can also influence the severity of the charge.

Typically, charges of theft are more severe if certain aggravating factors were involved. For instance, an aggravating factor can include taking something directly from the victim’s body, like in a purse-snatching case.

Theft of Property Worth $500 or Less

When a theft involves property valued at no more than $500 and property is not taken “from the person,” it will usually be classified as a Class A misdemeanor. However, if the offender has a prior criminal record, the classification may change. Someone with a record of previous theft may face a charge of up to a Class 4 felony.

If the theft involves taking property from the person directly, it will often be classified as a Class 3 felony.

Theft of Property Worth More Than $500

When a theft does not involve a threat of force or deception, the charge will be determined by the value of the stolen property. In the state of Illinois, the severity of theft charges corresponds to the following values:

• Class 3 felonies — $501-$10,000
• Class 2 felonies — $10,001-$100,000
• Class 1 felonies — $100,001-$1,000,000
• Class X felonies — More than $1,000,000

The classification of the theft charge will determine the type of penalties that the accused will face. Class A misdemeanors carry the possibility of up to a year of jail time and fines of up to $2,500. Felony charges carry much stiffer penalties.

In the state of Illinois, felonies are punishable by fines of up to $25,000 and 1 to 15 years in prison. Still, any theft in which the stolen property is worth less than $500,000 may result in probation-only punishments.

Even if you only face a charge of retail theft, it is critical to consult with a shoplifting defense lawyer. Having trustworthy legal representation will give you the best chance of securing a positive outcome in your case.

When you need a skilled attorney for theft arrest, contact the firm at Wolfe & Stec. Our experienced legal team knows how to fight effectively for our clients.

Frequently Asked Questions for Our Theft Defense Lawyers in Woodridge, IL

Why Choose Wolfe & Stec?

At Wolfe & Stec, we will always treat you with respect. Our attorneys know that every person deserves a strong defense. No matter what your circumstances might be, our lawyers will fight tirelessly on your behalf.

Our legal team has extensive knowledge of the issues related to criminal theft charges. When you hire our criminal defense attorneys, you can expect clear and consistent communication. At Wolfe & Stec, your case will be in good hands.

If you have been accused of a theft crime in Cook or DuPage County, Illinois, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Wolfe & Stec by calling 630-305-0222. We proudly represent clients in such Illinois communities as Chicago, Bolingbrook, Wheaton, Aurora, Naperville, and Downers Grove.