“Robbery” and “Theft from a person” are not the same charges. They are different, and they come with different consequences. The penalties will vary a lot depending on the facts of a case, especially whether or not force was used.
If you are being accused and charged with stealing, the specific charges you receive matter. There are serious consequences that can come with a conviction that may go far beyond serving time in prison.
Protecting yourself from the harshest outcomes is essential. The Chicago theft defense attorneys at Glasgow & Olsson have the experience, resources, and background to help you obtain the results you deserve. Primarily, having your charges reduced or dropped completely.
What is Robbery?
Robbery, in Illinois, is defined as taking property from someone by force or threat of force. Robbery is a more serious crime than theft from a person in the state of Illinois.
A conviction for robbery can come with the following penalties:
- Class 2 felony
- Three to seven years in prison
- Up to $25,000 in fines
- Probation is sometimes possible, but individuals convicted of robbery are more often sentenced to prison.
A robbery charge can be elevated if any of the following factors are present:
- Armed robbery (implying a weapon on one’s person) will result in a Class 1 felony.
- Armed robbery (having an actual weapon/firearm on one’s person) is very severe and can come with 30 or more years in prison.
What is Theft from a Person?
Theft from a person without force is defined as stealing directly from someone. Think, pickpocketing.
Penalties for a theft from a person charge can include:
- A Class 3 felony
- Two to five years in prison
Theft from a person can be enhanced to a Class 2 felony if any of the following are true:
- Happens in a school or place of worship
- Involves certain protected property
What are the Key Differences between Robbery and Theft from a Person?
It is very important to understand the key differences between the charges of robbery and theft from a person. These would be:
- Robbery is a crime that involves force or threat, which is considered a violent felony offense.
- Theft from a person is a crime that involves no force and is considered a property felony.
It is critical to understand that, even if minor physical contact happens during what would have been a theft of a person crime, the charges can then rise to the crime of robbery.
The Wide-Spread Impact of a Robbery or Theft from a Person Conviction
Being sentenced to some amount of prison time is bad enough. However, beyond that, a conviction of either of these crimes can lead to:
- Permanent felony record
- Difficulty getting jobs, housing, loans, and access to other opportunities
- Possible restitution (paying the victim back)
- Parole or probation conditions
Get Qualified Legal Help Today
A conviction for robbery or theft from a person can drastically change your life forever, and not in a good way. Having the most competent legal counsel representing you will give you the best chances of avoiding the most serious penalties.
At Glasgow & Olsson, we are widely recognized as a leading authority in Illinois criminal law. For this reason, Attorney Thomas T. Glasgow is a trusted legal voice who is regularly invited to appear on major networks, including ABC, CNN, NBC, CBS, and Fox News.
When you need an attorney, experience matters.
Speak with our Chicago criminal defense lawyers today and learn how decades of trusted experience can protect what matters most to you.