Bloomington IL DUI Attorney

Springfield Police Investigate Series of Catalytic Converter Thefts

The Springfield Police Department continues to investigate a series of theft crimes that involved 11 catalytic converters, according to an article by WCIA.

Police reports provided the following details concerning these catalytic converters thefts:

    Seven thefts occurred in the 600 block of North Sixth Street; Three thefts occurred in the 2500 block of Prairie Crossing Drive; and One theft occurred in the 2900 block of Rochester Road.

Police estimate that the total value of these stolen catalytic converters approximates $28,000. These thefts are part of a nationwide increase in similar crimes since 2019. In this time period, State Farm Insurance reported that catalytic converter thefts had increased by more than 400%. 

While the police investigation into these thefts continues, it seems like an opportune moment to review the Illinois laws and penalties for theft crimes.

Theft Laws in Illinois

The Illinois laws against theft appear at 720 ILCS 5/16-1[...]

Written by on December 23, 2022

How Does Illinois Distinguish Robbery from Burglary?

Robbery and burglary are distinct variations of theft crimes under the Illinois Criminal Code. While these crimes may appear similar at first glance, there are subtle differences between their legal definitions in Illinois. In either case, violations are typically charged as felony offenses and are subject to severe penalties. 

How Does Illinois Define Robbery?

720 ILCS 5/18-1 furnishes the Illinois definition of robbery. Under this section, a person commits robbery if they knowingly:

    Take property from the person or presence of a victim; and Use force or the threat of imminent force to complete the act. 

It is important to note an exception to Section 18-1. Robbery cannot involve a motor vehicle. The Illinois Criminal Code has a separate offense for such a crime, which is referred to legally as vehicular hijacking. 

What is the Illinois Penalty for Robbery?

The Illinois penalty for robbery also appears under Section 18-1. At [...]

Written by on December 2, 2022

Bloomington Police Search for Carjacking Suspects

Local police are searching for suspects involved in an attempted vehicular hijacking offense that occurred in Bloomington, Illinois, according to an article by The Pantagraph.  

This attempted crime occurred on Sunday, October 23, at a grocery store. The victim called the police when four individuals allegedly tried to steal the victim’s vehicle. The crime was ultimately unsuccessful, without resulting in any injuries either. 

At this juncture, police continue to search for suspects in this vehicular hijacking case. In the meantime, it seems like a proper occasion to review the Illinois laws against and penalties for standard and aggravated vehicular hijacking offenses. 

Vehicular Hijacking

720 ILCS 5/18-3 details the Illinois laws against vehicular hijacking. This section makes it unlawful to knowingly:

    Take a motor vehicle from the person or immediate presence of someone else, and Use force or the threat of imminent force to complete the offense. 

Section 18-3 also [...]

Written by on October 28, 2022

Illinois Woman Forgery and Burglary Charges for Using Fake Money

A woman from Champaign, Illinois, faces forgery and burglary charges after allegedly trying to use fake money at a store, according to an article by The Pantagraph.  

Reports indicate that the Illinois woman entered a retail store in Normal on Wednesday, September 21. The woman allegedly tried to pay for goods with a fake $100 bill and demonstrated an intent to commit felony forgery. 

As a result of this incident, the authorities charged the Illinois woman with the Class 3 felony version of forgery and the Class 2 felony version of burglary. While this matter plays out, it seems appropriate to review several Illinois statutes. 

Forgery Laws and Penalties in Illinois

The Illinois laws against forgery appear under 720 ILCS 5/17-3. This section makes it illegal to knowingly and with intent to defraud:

    Make any false document or alter any document to make it false; Issue or deliver
[...]

Written by on October 14, 2022