A theft charge in Illinois is far from a minor issue. Depending on the value of the property involved and the specifics of the situation, you could face charges that range from a misdemeanor to a felony. Of course, there are immediate effects of a conviction, such as penalties that could include heavy fines, probation, or even time in jail. Though even if you pay your fines, do your time, and satisfy all of the penalties imposed on you, you could still be looking at a grim future. This is because a theft conviction can create a permanent record that will continue to be an issue in your life, lasting long after your court case ends and you have fulfilled your legal obligations.
It is essential that, if you are arrested for theft in Illinois, you do not take this lightly. Not only is it essential to minimize the immediate punishments you can face, such as fines or jail time, but you must also think about your life down the road. A conviction can have a negative impact on you that follows you for a very long time. That is why when you are selecting legal counsel, it is essential to do your research and choose the most effective, resourceful, and experienced professional.
At Glasgow & Olsson, our Chicago theft defense attorneys have several decades of experience providing superior quality legal defense services to clients across the greater Chicago area. There is a reason we are highly respected and well-known: when we take cases, we do so to win. We will fight for you to ensure you obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Theft is a Crime of Dishonesty
Theft in Illinois is known as a “crime of moral turpitude.” This means that theft is considered a crime of dishonesty, and that classification matters, because, under the law, such behavior is both deceitful and fraudulent. As a result, even a misdemeanor theft conviction can carry a much greater stigma than other types of misdemeanors.
A Theft Conviction Can Alter the Course of Your Life
The dishonour and disgrace that a theft conviction can have on your life can be one that doesn’t go away easily. This is especially true since many theft convictions cannot be sealed or expunged, which means every time you have a background check done, you can expect your theft conviction to show up. As such, you may experience any or all of the following:
- Employment challenges: Employers that conduct background checks as a part of their hiring process may be more hesitant to hire individuals with a theft conviction.
- Housing barriers: landlords who perform background checks that reveal a theft conviction may quickly deny a rental application, as such an individual could pose a potential risk or liability.
- Impacts on Professional Licensing: Certain professions require licensure. After a theft conviction, denial, suspension, or revocation of a license can ensue.
Get Qualified Legal Help Today
The consequences of a theft conviction are serious, but the good news is that with the right representation, you have options.
To learn more about your rights and what strategy will be the best to reduce the severity of your charge or completely avoid a conviction, please call our Chicago criminal defense attorney at Glasgow and Olsson today. We are known for our strategic approach, aggressive advocacy, and unwavering support from the moment we take your case through any necessary appeals. Our attorneys regularly contribute legal insight to major news outlets, including ABC, CNN, NBC, CBS, and Fox News—an acknowledgment of our skill and credibility. With decades of Illinois defense experience and thousands of successful outcomes, we stand ready to defend you.