In Illinois, there are about 16 different types of theft offenses: Theft (720 ILCS 5/16-1), Theft or lost or mislaid property (720 ILCS 5/16-2), Identity theft (720 ILCS 5/16-30), Online theft by deception (720 ILCS 5/16-40(b)), Online sale of stolen property (720 ILCS 5/16-40(a)), Retail Theft (720 ILCS 5/16-25), and about a dozen more offense.
The most common theft offense charged is Retail Theft (720 ILCS 5/16-25) also known as Shoplifting. While women have lower arrest rates than men for every category of crime, women have a higher arrest rate for Retail Theft (720 ILCS 5/16-25) than men. Most of the women I represent in these cases had a lapse of judgment, are wrongfully accused, and have already suffered a great deal of embarrassment and shame.
Local Prosecutors and State’s Attorneys receive a lot of pressure from local businesses to prosecute Retail Theft (720 ILCS 5/16-25) cases hard. It is important to get a case evaluation from an attorney for several reasons. Theft cases are often complicated. Did the defendant leave the store? What was the value of the item(s)? Is there a security camera? Are there witnesses? Was the defendant unlawfully searched? Did the Defendant have the requisite intent to permanently remove the item from the store?
If you would like a free consultation call Richard at 630-917-2051. We can discuss deferred prosecution programs, whether or not you are eligible for an expungement, and/or if the a jury trial is necessary for your case.
We defend first offenders and repeat offenders in Chicago, Addison, Arlington Heights, Aurora, Burr Ridge, Calumet City, Carol Stream, Downers Grove, Elgin, Elk Grove, Elmhurst, Evanston, Hoffman Estates, Homewood, Joliet, Lombard, Maywood, Oak Brook, Oak Park, Orland Park, Schaumburg, Skokie, Woodridge, and more.