Being charged with theft or burglary is no small issue, and it can be a much more significant issue than you first thought depending on the details. With these charges, it can be easy to feel as if you’ve already been convicted before getting the chance to defend yourself. On a personal level, these charges may be impacting your life because your friends and loved ones no longer trust you. And while it may seem like a good idea, fighting these cases on your own typically leads to more complications.
The Champaign theft and fraud defense lawyers of Bruno Law Offices have been protecting the rights of defendants in the Champaign and Urbana areas since 1980. Our attorneys understand how severe theft and fraud cases can be. We’ve dedicated our lives to providing our clients with stable and reliable legal support. No matter how complicated your situation may be, our attorneys are ready and willing to help you. After handling thousands of cases, we have earned the trust and respect throughout the community and have established a remarkable reputation for criminal defense in the state.
Protecting yourself from a theft or fraud charge can be complicated and difficult. Fortunately, an experienced criminal defense attorney can provide you with the necessary legal support to help ensure a positive outcome. Contact Bruno Law Offices at (217) 328-6000 to begin building a strong defense today.
Why Do I Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
A theft or burglary charge has the potential to ruin your life. Facing these kinds of charges can be frightening and may leave you feeling helpless or paralyzed. Without an attorney, a single wrong move may lead to drastic consequences. This legal environment is complicated, and it is simple to slip up without the proper guidance. The penalties can be harsh, and innocence can be hard to prove. Furthermore, there are a lot of emotions and questions that follow a criminal charge like how it will affect your employment, care for your family, and will this impact your future?
With your future at stake, you will need an attorney with experience who will keep your specific circumstances in mind when defending your rights. You are more than just a client; you’re a human being who made a mistake and should not be victimized because of it. At Bruno Law Offices, we create our defense on a case by case situation. We will tailor your argument to your circumstances and will provide you with the necessary information needed to make proper decisions every step of the way. We will work tirelessly for you. Our goal is to minimize the charges or fines or even get them dropped altogether.
Types of Theft and Fraud Cases We Handle
Depending on the amount and value of the property stolen, a theft charge will vary in severity. In the United States, theft is divided into two different classifications: grand theft and petit theft. Petit theft includes all thefts of lesser-valued goods and services. Grand theft, on the other hand, is a more serious crime that involves the taking of items valued at $400 or more.
Additionally, fraud is a criminal act involving the deception of another party to cause him or her damages. Typically, the fraudulent party makes a monetary gain of some sort through these deceptive actions.
The Champaign theft and fraud lawyers of Bruno Law Offices have experience handling various types of theft and fraud cases, including
- Burglary: For a burglary charge to be proven, there must be evidence of an intent to commit a crime. Merely entering the property without that intent is not enough to constitute a burglary. A skilled legal representative in your corner can have your charges and penalties reduced.
- Petit Theft: Otherwise known as petty theft, it is the least serious theft crime one can commit. However, this minor offense is no small deal. It can still affect your criminal record making simple processes, such as applying for a job, much more difficult.
- Grand Theft: This grade of theft is a step above petty theft. Grand theft is when someone takes property unlawfully. It can cause severe complications in life as it will have a more significant impact on your criminal record. Here, a lawyer can help protect your rights and defend your interests.
- Embezzlement: This is when an individual takes money that has been entrusted to them, unbeknownst to the owner, and uses it not for its intended purpose. The potential to embezzle is very high whenever someone entrusts their money to another person. Embezzlement on your criminal record can ruin your life. The right attorney can help make sure this doesn’t happen.
Call our offices today at (217) 328-6000 to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our capable attorneys. We can help guide you to the best decision for the next step in your legal process.
Theft
In Illinois, there are various ways one could be charged with theft. Beyond just taking someone else’s property this includes taking control of someone’s property by deceit, taking property by threatening the owner, and even taking property that you know has been stolen.
There is a vast range of theft in Illinois. It spans from a Class A Misdemeanor to a Class X Felony; it also encompasses everything in between. The consequences of a Class A Misdemeanor can be fines from $1 – $2,500 and up to one year in jail. A Class X Felony can have up to $25,000 in fines and up to 30 years in jail.
Several factors are taken into account when determining what penalties you will receive. Some factors considered are the value of the property taken, your past criminal record, and the victim. With our accomplished attorneys, we can fight these charges for you. We will either seek a reduction or removal of the charge altogether. We want to provide you with the expertise and skill needed to create a strong defense to protect you.
Burglary
As defined earlier, burglary in Illinois is knowingly trespassing on someone’s property with an intent to commit either theft or a felony. No physical breaking and entering are required. You only have to enter someone else’s property unlawfully or remain on the property past the time you were supposed to leave.
A burglary charge often carries harsh penalties. Most frequently, burglary is a Class 2 Felony with fines up to $25,000 and up to seven years in prison. However, depending on where the burglary occurs, the charge can be classified as a Class 1 Felony with a penalty of up to 15 years in prison. Burglary of a school, day care center, or a place of worship typically constitutes a harsher penalty. This is just the criminal punishments; sometimes, burglary charges also include civil charges as well.
For the prosecution to prove the burglary charge, they must present evidence of entering or remaining on the property with the intention to commit a crime. Our lawyers have dealt with cases like these for over 30 years. We will work to build a defense that will help reduce the penalties or get rid of the charges. With our knowledgeable lawyers, we can get you the legal assistance required so you can protect your rights.
Contact Us
The Champaign theft and burglary lawyers at Bruno Law Offices will fight for your rights. We understand the struggles you are facing. With our experienced legal team, we can build a strong defense for your case and find weaknesses in the prosecution’s charge against you. These charges can have lasting consequences. Don’t lose out on the future you deserve. Let the lawyers at Bruno Law Offices work to make sure your rights are protected and represented.
If you have been arrested and charged with theft or fraud, you need the help of a qualified and experienced criminal defense lawyer to protect your freedoms in a court of law. Contact the Champaign criminal defense lawyers of Bruno Law Offices today at (217) 328-6000 to speak with an attorney about your legal options.