Bolingbrook Shoplifting Defense Lawyers
Armed robbery, burglary and theft charges can result in serious penalties if you are convicted. Depending on the exact crime, you could be charged with a felony, which means prison time and heavy fines. If you have been arrested on any type of robbery or theft charge, you need a skilled criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights.
That is the type of lawyer you find at the Joliet and Wheaton offices of the Mitchell Law Group. Combined, our Joliet burglary lawyers have more than 45 years of legal experience. Over that time, we have learned to approach these cases strategically and intelligently. You can rely on us to do everything we can to minimize the charges or have them dismissed outright.
Understanding the Charges Against You
Burglary, theft and robbery prosecutions depend entirely on the facts of the specific case. No two situations are alike. It is the prosecutor's duty to prove every element of the crime, through such things as video surveillance, witness testimony and other evidence. It is the job of our Illinois criminal defense attorneys to challenge that evidence.
- Armed robbery: In Illinois, armed robbery is a felony. It is charged if a person takes money or goods from someone else by using force or threats of force, and while carrying a weapon. The weapon may be a gun, knife, bat or other dangerous object.
- Burglary: This crime is roughly defined as entering a house, garage, vehicle, warehouse or other structure with the intent to commit a felony once inside. It is not burglary if you were unlawfully inside a house, but did not intend to commit a crime once inside.
- Retail theft: This crime is commonly known as shoplifting. It occurs when a person intentionally takes merchandise out of a retail establishment without paying for it. It is also retail theft to lower the price of an item by switching price tags or for an employee to give unauthorized discounts to a customer. If the total value of items taken is $300 or less, it is a misdemeanor. More than $300 is a felony.
The penalties for these crimes can be enhanced if you have prior convictions. The attorneys of the Mitchell Law Group will analyze the situation and uncover all the facts. We will not hesitate to file motions to dismiss if the case against you is weak. If the case is strong, we will advise you of the possibility of taking a plea deal to minimize the damage.
Call for a Free Consultation 24/7
Contact our law offices today to discuss your criminal defense matter. We offer a free initial consultation by phone or in person. You are able to reach a member of our firm at any time, day or night. You can reach us by phone at 815-207-8607, toll free at 888-689-6042 or via e-mail.
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