Experienced Defense Against Theft and Burglary Charges
Burglary charges in Illinois, no matter what the circumstances are, should never be taken lightly.
Successfully defending charges of burglary requires an aggressive attorney who knows when to seek a favorable plea bargain with the prosecution, and when to take a case to trial and force the government to prove its claims. Knowing how to proceed comes only through experience, and at our firm, clients in southern Illinois benefit from Madelyn Daley’s more than 20 years of experience exclusively in criminal defense. She is both a skilled negotiator and a veteran trial attorney. She is who you need when facing these serious charges.
Never cooperate with prosecutors until you have spoken with a lawyer about your rights. Call Madelyn Daley & Associates, at 618-233-8885 for a no-fee case consultation.
The Consequences of a Conviction Can Be Severe. Turn to Our Firm to Avoid Them.
Most burglary charges in Illinois are Class 2 felonies. This means that a conviction can result in three to seven years in state prison and a maximum $25,000 fine. Some burglaries may be considered class 1 felonies, which carry maximum prison sentences of four to fifteen years.
In addition to these penalties, a criminal record – especially one that involves crimes like theft and burglary – can make it impossible to hold down employment. This can have a truly devastating effect on people’s lives. Entrusting your case to a qualified Belleville defense attorney will give you the chance to have your charges dropped or reduced. This will be much less likely to affect your life now and in the future.
Our Attorneys Will Fight For You In Court. Contact the Firm Now.
We will put our experience and passion to work for you, beginning with a free phone consultation. Arrange yours by calling 618-233-8885 or by sending an email.
Frequently Asked Questions About Burglary Charges in Illinois
What is the difference between burglary and residential burglary in Illinois?
In Illinois, standard burglary involves knowingly entering a building, watercraft, aircraft, or motor vehicle without authority to commit a felony or theft. Residential burglary specifically involves entering someone’s dwelling place (their home) with the intent to commit a felony or theft. Residential burglary is treated much more severely by the courts and is classified as a Class 1 felony, which carries mandatory prison time.
Is burglary always a felony charge?
Yes. In Illinois, burglary is always classified as a felony. Most standard burglary charges are Class 2 felonies, carrying a penalty of 3 to 7 years in state prison. If the offense takes place in a school, day care, or place of worship, or if it is classified as residential burglary, it escalates to a Class 1 felony, carrying 4 to 15 years in prison.
Can a burglary charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
Because burglary inherently requires the “intent to commit a felony or theft,” it cannot be directly reduced to a misdemeanor burglary. However, an experienced defense attorney can often negotiate with prosecutors to reduce the charge to a lesser offense, such as criminal trespass to property or criminal damage to property, both of which can be misdemeanors.
What if I didn’t actually steal anything?
You can still be convicted of burglary even if you didn’t take an item. Under Illinois law, the prosecution only needs to prove that you entered the property with the intent to commit a theft or a felony. Proving what someone was thinking is difficult, which is why having a skilled trial attorney to challenge the prosecution’s evidence of “intent” is critical to your defense.
What should I do if the police want to question me about a burglary?
Politely decline to answer questions and state clearly: “I want to speak with my attorney before answering any questions.” Even if you are innocent, trying to explain your side of the story without a lawyer present frequently backfires, as prosecutors can use any inconsistencies against you.