Category Archives: burglary

WHAT IS A BUILDING UNDER ILLINOIS BURGLARY LAW?

In Illinois, you commit burglary when you knowingly and without authority enter or remain within a building, housetrailer, watercraft, aircraft, motor vehicle railroad car, or any part thereof, with intent to commit a felony or theft. (See Illinois Burglary Statute). … Continue reading

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DID YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO BE THERE? BURGLARY IN ILLINOIS

Suppose you were visiting a public building. You had business in the building and had every right to be there. But while there, you entered an office marked “private,” and stole some cash off a desk. Does that make you … Continue reading

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POSSESSION OF BURGLARY TOOLS IN ILLINOIS

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 … Continue reading

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STAYING PAST YOUR WELCOME: HOW RETAIL THEFT BECOMES BURGLARY IN ILLINOIS

In Illinois, you can be charged with burglary if you 1) enter or remain in a building without authority 2) with intent to commit a felony or theft. Under recent Illinois case law, you can lose the authority to enter … Continue reading

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“I DIDN’T STEAL IT!”: PROVING BURGLARY IN ILLINOIS

You bought a couple I-phones from an acquaintance. You thought they were his, but it turned out he had recently stolen them from a store and then he disappeared. Now the police have charged you with the burglary. What can … Continue reading

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RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY IN ILLINOIS: WHEN A HOME IS NOT A DWELLING

A person commits residential burglary in Illinois when he or she knowingly without permission enters or stays within someone else’s dwelling intending to commit a felony or theft. Residential burglary in Illinois is a Class 1 felony. If your burglary … Continue reading

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“BUT I DIDN’T START IT!”: THE ILLINOIS LAW ON SELF-DEFENSE

He just came at you. To protect yourself, you pulled out a knife or maybe a gun. He turned to run away. Pumped with adrenalin, you couldn’t stop yourself from going after him. Now, he’s in the hospital, and you’re … Continue reading

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THE LAW OF RETAIL THEFT, THEFT, ROBBERY AND BURGLARY IN ILLINOIS

In bad economic times, people can get a little desperate and take something that doesn’t belong to them. Where, how and how much you steal can determine the type of criminal charges brought against you and your possible punishment. What … Continue reading

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