After allegedly attempting to defraud several banks in Normal, Illinois, an Indiana woman faces criminal charges for theft, burglary, and other crimes, according to an article by The Pantagraph.
This incident traces back to January 2020. That is when the Indiana woman apparently used a fake ID and false credit card to receive a $5,000 advance from one bank. The Indiana woman also allegedly requested a $6,500 advance from another branch.
As a result of this incident, the Indiana woman faces two counts of burglary, one count of theft, and three counts of other crimes. While this woman awaits her day in court, it seems appropriate to review several Illinois laws and penalties.
Theft Under Illinois Law
720 ILCS 5/16-1 establishes the Illinois laws against and penalties for theft. Under this section, theft occurs when someone knowingly:
- Obtains or exerts control over another person’s property;
- Utilizes deception to obtain or exert control over another person’s property;
- Employs threats to obtain or exert control over another person’s property; or
- Obtains control over property, knowing or having a reason to know that the property was stolen.
Section 16-1 also provides a fluctuating penalty structure for theft crimes. From a general standpoint, the punishment generally changes based on the value of the property in question.
For example, theft of property worth less than $500 is usually a Class A misdemeanor. Upon conviction, the punishment can include a maximum of 364 days in jail and $2,500 in criminal fines.
On the other hand, theft of property worth between $500 and $10,000 is usually a Class 3 felony. Upon conviction, the punishment can include three to seven years in prison and up to $25,000 in criminal fines.
Furthermore, as the value of property increases, the penalties for theft also increase markedly.
Burglary Under Illinois Law
720 ILCS 5/19-1 details the Illinois laws against and penalties for burglary. Under this section, burglary occurs when a person knowingly and without authority:
- Enters or remains within any part of a building, house-trailer, watercraft, aircraft, motor vehicle, or railroad car; and
- Demonstrates an intent to commit theft or any felony crime.
Section 19-1 also furnishes the punishment for burglary. If burglary did not involve damage to the structure in question, it is a Class 3 felony in Illinois, punishable as described in the previous section.
On the other hand, if burglary did involve damage to the structure in question, it is a Class 2 felony in Illinois. Upon conviction, the punishment can include two to five years in prison and up to $25,000 in criminal fines.
Do You Need Legal Help?
No matter what the criminal offense, all charges are serious. A sound strategy and an aggressive defense are essential for a positive outcome. To protect your rights in such situations, it is highly advisable to retain legal counsel from an experienced criminal defense attorney.
The Prior Law Firm in Bloomington, Illinois, has proven experience in matters of criminal defense. If you need legal help with criminal defense, contact us today for a free consultation. You can reach The Prior Law Firm by phone at (309) 827-4300, email at johnprior@thepriorlawfirm.com or by completing an online form.