You need not commit a burglary to be charged with a crime. The mere possession of burglary tools may be enough.
Under Illinios law, you may be convicted of a Class 4 felony, punishable by one to three years in prison, if you possess any key, tool, instrument, device or explosive suitable for breaking into a building or motor vehicle or any place intended for safekeeping property. You must have entered the building or vehicle intending to commit the felony or theft. Your intent to commit such a crime may be inferred if you have a key designed for picking locks.
If you are charged in Illinois with possession of burglary tools or similar offense, contact a criminal law attorney immediately. An experienced attorney can review your case for its best possible defense. As with most crimes, the state must prove you guilty of each element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Can the state show you possess the necessary intent? If the police lacked probable cause to search you, an attorney may petition the court to suppress the evidence resulting from the search.
Even if the police acted properly and the evidence against you is overwhelming, an attorney who is respected in the courthouse may be able to negotiate a more favorable plea agreement than you could on your own.
If you have questions about this or another related Illinois criminal or traffic matter, please contact Matt Keenan at 847-568-0160 or email matt@mattkeenanlaw.com.
Source: Possession of Burglary Tools.
(Besides Skokie, Matt Keenan also serves the communities of Arlington Heights, Chicago, Deerfield, Des Plaines, Evanston, Glenview, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Northbrook, Park Ridge, Rolling Meadows, Wilmette and Winnetka.)
