Theft

Chicago Theft Criminal Defense Lawyer

Chicago Theft attorney, James Dimeas, has spent the past 29-plus years handling Theft cases throughout Chicago, Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, and Lake County. Chicago Theft lawyer, James Dimeas, knows that there are many different ways that you can be charged with a Theft in Illinois. Many times, when people are charged with a Theft offense they do not realize the potential long-term implications of having a Theft criminal charge appear on their criminal record. Many people don’t realize that they need to talk to an experienced criminal defense Theft lawyer, like James Dimeas, as soon as possible so that they can take all the steps necessary to protect their future.

Many people think that if they just apologize to the store security or the police and agree to pay for the goods, they will be allowed to walk away from the situation like nothing happened. Other people think that if they just go to Court and accept responsibility for what they did that the Court will go easy on them and will let them walk away with a slap on the wrist. But they don’t realize that a simple slap on the wrist can follow them around for the rest of their lives. If you are facing a Theft charge, you need to speak to an experienced and aggressive Theft attorney, like James Dimeas, who understands what effect a Theft charge, and Theft case could have on your future. An experienced criminal defense Theft attorney, like James Dimeas who has the experience you can count on to handle your Theft case effectively and successfully.

The most common Theft charges in Chicago, Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, and Lake County are:

Retail Theft (720 ILCS 5/16-25)

Shoplifting (720 ILCS 5/16-25)

Burglary (720 ILCS 5/19-1)

Residential Burglary (720 ILCS 5/19-3)

Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle (625 ILCS 5/4-103)

Identity Theft (720 ILCS 5/16-30)

What is Theft in Illinois?

The Illinois crime of Theft is found at 720 ILCS 5/16-1(a). Basically, Theft is defined as taking somebody else’s property, without their permission, and keeping it as your own. Usually, the severity of the punishment for Theft depends on the amount, or value, of what was taken, or stolen. Sometimes, the severity of the potential punishment depends on how the Theft was committed. For instance, was the Theft a result of Shoplifting or a Residential Burglary? Generally, the higher the value of the stolen property, the more severe the potential punishment could be.

Chicago Theft attorney, James Dimeas, understands that the one common element for all Theft cases is that having a Theft case on your criminal record can make it very difficult, if not impossible, to get, or keep, a job. Chicago Theft attorney, James Dimeas, knows from his extensive experience with Theft cases that employers are highly unlikely to hire someone if they have any indication that the person cannot be trusted and will steal from them. That’s why it is important to consult with an experienced Theft lawyer, like James Dimeas, who has a thorough understanding of the various Theft offenses in Illinois and understands how a Theft case can impact your life. James Dimeas understands that a Theft case is not just another criminal case. James Dimeas is a Theft lawyer that understands that what happens with your Theft case could impact the rest of your life and will use his 27 years of experience handling Theft cases throughout Chicago, Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, and Lake County to do everything he can to obtain a successful outcome for your Theft case. A successful outcome is one that keeps your criminal record clean so that you do not have any problems passing a background search.

What are the Range of Penalties for Theft in Illinois?

The potential range of penalties for a Theft in Illinois depends mostly on the amount, or value, of the property stolen. Most Theft cases are considered Class A Misdemeanors in Illinois. A Class A Misdemeanor is punishable by a maximum of one year in jail and a maximum fine of $2,500. Most people charged with a Class A Misdemeanor Theft charge are able to get Court Supervision or Conditional Discharge, especially if this was your first criminal case. Court Supervision allows you to avoid a conviction on your criminal record while Conditional Discharge is basically probation without any jail time. The potential penalty can vary depending on your criminal record, the specific facts of the case, and the opinion of the victim and the police officers involved in the investigation. The Judge who is hearing your case will also affect the possible penalty that you will be facing. Chicago Theft lawyer, James Dimeas, has spent 29-plus years handling Theft cases throughout Chicago, Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, and Lake County. James Dimeas is well known and respected by the Judges in the various courthouses and courtrooms throughout the counties and knows how the judges handle Theft cases and can use his knowledge and personal relationships to obtain the best results for his clients.

In addition to criminal penalties, you may also be facing civil penalties which consist of money damages that you may have to pay the store. The consequences of a Theft case can have serious criminal and financial consequences. This is not something that you can figure out on your own. You should talk to an experienced Theft lawyer, like James Dimeas, who understands the Theft laws in Illinois and can guide you through this tricky and difficult process so that you can protect your future and your financial resources.

Contact Theft Lawyer James Dimeas to Discuss Your Theft Case

If you have been charged with a Theft crime you should call Theft lawyer, James Dimeas, as soon as possible. Attorney James Dimeas has been handling Theft cases throughout Chicago, Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, and Lake County for over 29 years. James Dimeas will talk to you about the details and facts of your Theft case to determine if the state has a case against you or whether there is no case. Once you hire James Dimeas for your Theft case, he will review the security videos and witness statements and all the police reports and try to find weaknesses in the state’s case. If you are arrested for a Theft ask for a lawyer and call James Dimeas immediately to discuss your case. James Dimeas will use his 27 years of experience defending people charged with Theft to work for you and to keep your record clean. James Dimeas handles Theft cases in Chicago, Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, and Lake County.

James Dimeas is a nationally-recognized, award-winning, Theft Lawyer. Attorney and Practice Magazine gave James Dimeas the “Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney Award for Illinois,” and the “Top 10 DUI Defense Attorney” award. The National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys gave James Dimeas the “Top 10 Attorney Award for the State of Illinois.” Recently, the American Society of Legal Advocates named James Dimeas a “Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer In the State of Illinois For the Year 2018, 2019 and 2020. ” Expertise named James Dimeas a “Best Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chicago.” James Dimeas was named a “Best DUI Attorney.” The American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys recognized James Dimeas as a “10 Best Attorney for Client Satisfaction.” The National Trial Lawyers named James Dimeas a “Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer.” AVVO rates James Dimeas as “Superb,” 10 out of 10, the highest rating possible for any Theft attorney in the United States.

You can contact James Dimeas anytime for a free and confidential consultation for your Theft case. You can always speak to James Dimeas personally by calling him at 847-807-7405.