Three Illinois men face burglary charges after allegedly breaking into the Corn Crib stadium in Normal, according to an article by The Pantagraph.
Reports indicate that these alleged burglary crimes occurred on April 18 and May 9 as well as sometime between May 4 and 5. On those dates, the alleged perpetrators broke into the Corn Crib stadium. But they did not appear to steal any items or other things of value.
As a result of this incident, local authorities pushed forward with the following charges:
- A 20-year-old man from Bloomington, Illinois faces three counts of burglary;
- An 18-year-old man from Normal, Illinois faces two counts of burglary; and
- A 20-year-old man from Bloomington, Illinois faces one count of burglary.
While this incident continues to develop in the legal arena, it seems appropriate to review the Illinois laws against and punishment for burglary.
Illinois Laws Against Burglary
The Illinois laws against burglary appear at 720 ILCS 5/19-1. This section prohibits any person from knowingly and without authority:
- Entering or remaining within any building, house-trailer, motor vehicle, railroad car, freight container, aircraft, or watercraft; and
- Demonstrating an intent to commit a theft offense or any felony crime.
It is important to note that Section 19-1 establishes additional considerations for burglary offenses committed in certain locations. As explained in more detail below, the penalties increase for burglary committed in a school, day care center/home, child care facility, or place of worship.
Illinois Punishment for Burglary
The Illinois punishment for burglary also appears under Section 19-1. Though the applicable charge and corresponding penalties often change based on the circumstances of the offense.
For burglary committed in a motor vehicle, railroad car, freight container, watercraft, or aircraft — without causing any damage to the structure — it is a Class 3 felony. A conviction at this level can lead to imprisonment for two to five years and criminal fines up to $25,000.
For burglary committed in a motor vehicle, railroad car, freight container, watercraft, or aircraft — and also results in damage to the structure — it is a Class 2 felony. The same is true for burglary committed in a building or house-trailer. A conviction at this level can lead to imprisonment for three to seven years and criminal fines up to $25,000.
For burglary committed in a school, day care center/home, child care facility, or place of worship, it is a Class 1 felony. A conviction at this level can lead to imprisonment for four to 15 years and criminal fines up to $25,000.
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.