In the state of Illinois, larceny and theft are described as an action against a person, business, or organization which involves the intent to commit and action of the unauthorized taking of money, services, or property. This can include what is recognized as petty theft and more advanced versions of theft up to and including theft of more than $1,000,000, which holds a title of Class X felony, and a high prison sentence.
The penalties for these crimes vary, as do the levels of severity, characterized by the amount of money being stolen, to where the crime has been committed. This control over property of another can occur by threat or deception, and also includes the taking or buying of property that is recognized as having been previously stolen.
Illinois Laws and Penalties
In the state of Illinois larceny and theft laws vary by classification; these classifications are as follows:
- Class A Misdemeanor: The theft of money or property worth up to $500. Penalties for a Class A misdemeanor include imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of up to $2,500 for each charge, as well as restitution for lost finances in regards to the crime.
- Class 4 Felony: If theft of money or property worth up to $500 is taken from a school or place of worship then the theft is considered a Class 4 felony. This is punishable by 1 to 3 years in prison and a fine up to $25,000 with financial restitution of lost finances.
- Class 3 Felony: Theft of money or property that is valued between $500 and $10,000 is considered a Class 3 felony, and is punishable by 2 to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. Additional restitution payments for loss of finances in regards to the theft may also be claimed.
- Class 2 Felony: Theft of money or property that is valued between $500 and $10,000 when it has been taken from a school, place of worship. Penalties include fines up to $25,000 with additional restitution for losses, and 3 to 5 years of imprisonment.
- Class 1 Felony: Theft of money or property that is valued between $10,000 and $100,000 that has been stolen from a school or place of worship, or theft of property between $100,000 and $500,000. This is punishable by 4 to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000 plus additional financial restitution for losses.
- Class 1 non-probationary Felony: Theft of property or money valued between $500,000 and $1,000,000. This can carry a fine of up to $25,000 plus possible financial restitution for losses and up to 30 years in prison.
- Class X Felony: Theft of property or money valued at more than $1,000,000 and can include a minimum prison sentence of 6 to 30 years and a fine of up to $25,000 and financial restitution.
Illinois Larceny and Theft Penalties
Larceny and theft penalties in the state of Illinois vary in range of sereneness and are classified as such through the titles of Class A Misdemeanor to Class X Felony. These hold penalties of jail time ranging from less than 1 year to 30 years and fines of up to $25,000 plus financial restitution for additional losses.
Statute of Limitations on Illinois
The statute of limitations in the state of Illinois is 7 years following the theft of real property that is worth more than $100,000. Other theft and larceny crimes in this state have a statute of limitations of 3 years. A statute of limitations is the time after a crime has been committed during which the offender can be charged with that crime.
Key Illinois Larceny and Theft Cases
- Illinois Man Charged With Theft of Dog – Keyson E. McDowan a 32 year old man from Decatur, Illinois has been accused of theft of a $1000 Great Dane from a man’s home. The owner noticed a minivan with Illinois plates pull into his driveway on a Thursday and 6:30pm and when the van left, the dog was gone as well.
- Alton Residents Charged With Felony Retail Theft – Two men from Alton, Illinois are being charged with retail theft from a Walmart store. Ryan T. Markle who is 35 and Scotty Hutchens, who is 30 were reported by an employee as steering away a shopping cart full of $600 worth of store merchandise.
- Two Men Charged With Burglary and Theft – Two men from Freeport, Illinois have been charged with burglary and theft of items valued at less than $500. Joseph Stout, who is 34 years old, and Tavion Jackson, who is 23 years of age broke into a garage and stole hand tools, but were reported by a concerned neighbor.
- Freeport Woman Charged With Retail Theft – 24 year old woman, Channelle Walker has been charged with the theft of 2 bottles of vodka, as a petty theft or Class A Misdemeanor. The bottles were stolen from Sulivan Foods; Walker also has a prior retail theft conviction.