Orland Park Property Crimes Defense Lawyer

Attorney for Theft, Arson, Burglary, Vandalism, or Trespassing Charges

In Illinois, crimes are categorized into two main groups: "crimes against persons" and "crimes against property." While crimes against persons are generally self-explanatory, involving acts that cause injury or the threat of injury to another person, crimes against property generally involve criminal offenses where there is no direct harm or threat of harm to a person. Instead, these crimes typically involve the unlawful taking, damaging, or intrusion into another person's property.

Although property crimes typically do not involve physical harm, the legal consequences can be severe, depending on the circumstances of the offense. In Illinois, property crimes can be classified as either misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors carry a maximum punishment of 364 days in county jail, while felonies can result in a minimum prison sentence of one year. The specific penalties depend on the type of crime, the value of the property involved, and whether the accused has a prior criminal history.

At Issa Law, LLC, we have represented clients in a wide variety of cases involving property crimes, from the least severe misdemeanor to the most severe felony. We have a reputation for being meticulous in our scrutiny of the evidence and doing everything within our power to get the best result for our clients. We have successfully had charges against clients dismissed for various reasons, including improper or illegal search and seizure, improper warrants, or illegal or improper stop and detention. We have been successful in obtaining verdicts of "not guilty" for our clients after a trial. We can help you take steps to address property crime charges and defend against a conviction.

Types of Property Crimes in Illinois

Our firm can provide representation in a wide variety of property crime cases, including:

• Theft: Offenses involving the unlawful taking of someone else's property can range from small-scale theft involving low-value items to situations where property that was allegedly stolen is worth tens of thousands of dollars or more. Theft charges can be classified as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the value of the property stolen and other factors, such as the use of force or a weapon during the theft.
• Retail Theft: This offense, which is often referred to as shoplifting, involves taking merchandise from a retail establishment or failing to pay for services. These charges may also apply if someone is accused of altering price tags to pay less than the retail value or otherwise depriving a store owner of the proper payment for goods or services. Illinois law treats retail theft seriously, and even minor offenses can result in significant penalties. Depending on the value of the stolen goods and whether the accused has prior offenses, retail theft can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony.
• Theft of Lost or Mislaid Property: When someone finds property that has been lost or mislaid by its owner, and instead of making an effort to return it to the rightful owner, they decide to keep it, they could face criminal charges. Illinois law requires people who find lost property to take reasonable steps to locate the owner and return the property. Failing to do so with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property can result in theft charges.
• Burglary: This serious property crime involves unlawfully entering or remaining in a building, vehicle, or other structure with the intent to commit a felony or theft. In Illinois, burglary is typically charged as a felony, and the penalties can be severe, especially if the burglary occurs in a residential building. Unlike robbery, which involves the use of force or intimidation, burglary is a property crime that focuses on the unlawful entry and intent to commit a crime.
• Arson: This offense involves intentionally setting fire to property. In Illinois, arson is a serious offense, particularly when it involves residential buildings or occupied structures. The law differentiates between simple arson, which involves burning someone else's property without consent, and aggravated arson, where there is a significant risk of harm to others, such as when a building is occupied at the time of the fire. Arson is usually charged as a felony, and the penalties can include lengthy prison sentences and significant fines.
• Criminal Damage to Property: The intentional destruction, defacement, or damage of someone else's property can lead to criminal charges. These offenses can take many forms, including vandalism, graffiti, breaking windows, or damaging vehicles. In Illinois, the severity of criminal damage to property charges depends on the extent of the damage and the value of the property. Minor cases may be charged as misdemeanors, while more severe cases, especially those involving significant financial loss, may result in felony charges.
• Trespassing: Unlawfully entering or remaining on someone else's property without permission is a criminal offense. In Illinois, trespassing can occur on residential property, commercial property, or even vehicles. Trespassing is generally treated as a misdemeanor, but the penalties can escalate if the trespassing occurs in a context that suggests a greater potential for harm or if it is accompanied by other criminal activity, such as vandalism or theft.

Contact Our Joliet Property Crimes Attorney

When you need a criminal defense attorney, you should hire a lawyer who is experienced and aggressive and who will do the work it takes to get the best result for you. We leave no stone unturned in our effort to get the best results possible. We are experienced, aggressive, knowledgeable, and detail-oriented criminal defense attorneys. Contact us at 708-966-2408 to set up a consultation. We represent clients in Orland Park, Tinley Park, Joliet, Lockport, Homer Glen, New Lenox, Oak Forest, Plainfield, Romeoville, and all other cities in the southwest suburbs of Chicago.