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 any document knowing that it was falsely made or altered;
- Possess with intent to issue or deliver any document knowing that it was falsely made or altered;
- Use another person’s digital signature unlawfully; or
- Create another person’s electronic signature unlawfully.
Forgery is usually a Class 3 felony. The Illinois punishment for Class 3 felonies can include a prison sentence between two and five years as well as criminal fines up to $25,000.
Forgery is a Class 4 felony if the offense involves a single Universal Price Code Label. The Illinois punishment for Class 4 felonies can include a prison sentence between one and three years and criminal fines up to $25,000.
Forgery is a Class A misdemeanor if the offense involves an academic degree or coin. The Illinois punishment for Class A misdemeanors can include a maximum jail sentence of one year and criminal fines up to $2,500.
Burglary Laws and Penalties in Illinois
The Illinois laws against burglary appear under 720 ILCS 5/19-1. This section makes it unlawful to knowingly and without authority:
- Enter or remain within a building, motor vehicle, house trailer, watercraft, aircraft, railroad car, freight container; and
- Demonstrate an intent to commit theft or any felony crime.
Burglary is a Class 3 felony if the offense does not involve damage to the building, vehicle, or structure in question. This Class 3 felony is punishable, as explained above.
Burglary is a Class 2 felony if the offense involves damage to the building, vehicle, or structure in question. The Illinois punishment for Class 2 felonies can include a prison sentence between three and seven years as well as criminal fines up to $25,000.
Burglary is usually a Class 1 felony if committed in a school, daycare center/home, child care facility, or place of worship. The Illinois punishment for Class 1 felonies can include a prison sentence between four and 15 years as well as criminal fines up to $25,000.
Do You Need Legal Help?
No matter what the criminal offense is, 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.