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.

Discuss your theft charge during a free, no-obligation initial consultation. Contact us online or call 630-305-0222.

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.

For a free initial consultation with our Woodridge theft defense lawyers at Wolfe & Stec, call our offices at 630-305-0222.

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

  • What steps can help to minimize public exposure of my arrest record?

    If you have been taken into custody on charges of theft, there will be a public record of your arrest. Public arrest records can create difficulties in pursuing employment and applying for other opportunities.

    Our attorney for theft arrest can help you take steps to “expunge” or “seal” your record. Sealing a criminal record makes it unavailable to members of the public. Expunging a record completely erases it.

  • Can I secure an expungement in Illinois?

    Suppose that you are arrested and charged with shoplifting. Even if you are not convicted of theft charges, your arrest will be listed on your criminal record. This can cause significant problems in your personal and professional life. You may wonder how you can get this record erased, especially if you were not convicted of the crime.

    With the help of a skilled shoplifting defense lawyer, you can file legal paperwork to seek an expungement in Illinois. You can have an arrest expunged as long as the arrest did not result in a conviction. In some cases, you can have conviction records expunged, as well. To explore expungement options in your case, speak with our knowledgeable legal professionals at Wolfe & Stec.

  • What is the time frame for appealing a theft charge?

    If you have received an unfavorable decision in your criminal trial or hearing, you may be able to file an appeal. To do so, you must submit a “Notice of Appeal” within thirty days of the decision.

    For help to appeal a conviction or ruling, reach out to our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys.

  • Should I represent myself in a theft case?

    It is rarely a good idea to represent yourself in a criminal court case. If you face charges of theft, the stakes are very high. A conviction can result in significant fines and jail or prison time. Failing to have a knowledgeable legal representative on your side makes a successful outcome unlikely.

    The seasoned trial attorneys at Wolfe & Stec have plenty of experience with the legal process. When you hire our firm, we will ensure that you present the strongest defense possible.

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.

Contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation with the criminal defense professionals at Wolfe & Stec.

Attorney Marc Wolfe

Marc Wolfe has been representing clients in criminal matters in Chicago and the entire State of Illinois for over 30 years. Mr. Wolfe has tried over 300 cases to verdict and represents clients facing investigation or prosecution for a broad range of state and federal criminal offenses, including murder, embezzlement, sexual abuse, drugs, marijuana and white collar crimes. [ Attorney Bio ]

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Woodridge Illinois Law Firm

3321 Hobson Road, Suite B
Woodridge, IL 60517
Phone: 630-305-0222

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