Theft/Burglary

Shoplifting and Property Crime Defense

Shoplifting, theft, and burglary are common crimes, but carry serious criminal and civil penalties in Illinois. You will need a skilled criminal defense attorney to fight the charges or negotiate the most favorable deal. Contact Stephen A. Brundage, Attorney at Law, for a free consultation if you or your child were arrested in DuPage, Kane, or Cook County.

Charged with Theft or Burglary? Call (630) 260-9647

As a criminal defense lawyer practicing law for 17 years, and a former Wheaton, Illinois, police officer, I have key insights into the investigation and prosecution of property crimes. I can gauge the prosecution's evidence to aggressively fight the charges at trial or seek a plea agreement with less severe consequences.

Shoplifting / Retail Theft Lawyer

Stealing merchandise valued at $150 or less — even one small item — is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $2500 and up to one year in jail.
Theft of merchandise valued at $150 or more is a felony, punishable by one or more years in state prison.

On a first offense, we can usually help clients avoid jail time and possibly qualify for court supervision (no conviction on your record). On a subsequent or felony offense, we will challenge the store's evidence in seeking to dismiss charges, go to trial, or negotiate a plea bargain.

Illinois law also allows the store to seek restitution for the value of the items, plus a penalty up to $1,000, plus court costs and attorney's fees. I am a strong negotiator who will work out the lowest restitution possible if you are convicted of shoplifting.

Theft: For other theft, such as theft by bad check, or fraud, or taking property, the felony threshold is a value of $300.

Defense against Harsh Penalties for Burglary

Burglary is always a felony, regardless of the value of items taken. In Illinois, burglarizing a home carries a mandatory prison term of 4 to 15 years, and burglary of a business or building carries a sentence of 3 to 7 years. To avoid or minimize prison time, we aggressively challenge the circumstantial evidence tying our client to the crime. If prosecutors have a weak case, we advise clients on going to trial or negotiating a plea to a lesser charge with less severe penalties.

Protect Your Rights: Call Now at Call (630) 260-9647

It's not too late to help your situation. Contact my Wheaton, Illinois, office for a free consultation to discuss a shoplifting theft or burglary.