Illinois Theft Defense Lawyers

At Donahue, Sowa & Magana, we are one of the oldest criminal defense law firms in the state of Illinois. We offer representation to people accused of theft and white collar crime. We will aggressively defend you if you have been accused of residential burglary, auto theft, burglary to an automobile or commercial establishment, or shoplifting. Because of the penalties for theft—especially residential burglary—it is imperative you choose a criminal defense attorney with experience.

Contact the Illinois Theft Defense Lawyers

If you have been accused of burglary or theft in northern Illinois, contact one of the criminal defense attorneys at Donahue, Sowa & Magana at either our Lisle or Geneva office.

Theft - An Overview

Modern statutes in most states consolidate the common law theft offenses into a single crime known as theft or larceny. Depending on the state, the general term "theft" may encompass a number of different crimes including larceny, embezzlement, false pretenses, extortion, fraudulent conversion and receiving stolen property. The specific names of theft crimes and their definitions vary from state to state. If the police have charged you with a theft crime, it is important to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to discuss your situation.

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Penalties for Theft Crimes

If convicted of a theft crime, an individual can face a wide range of penalties. The severity of the penalty ultimately imposed depends upon a number of factors including the nature of the offense; the value of goods, property or services taken; whether it was the defendant's first conviction; and several other factors. In addition to penalties imposed by the criminal justice system, a person convicted of a theft crime may also face negative social and employment consequences. Because of the potentially severe penalties, it is important to speak to a criminal defense attorney if you have been charged with a theft crime.

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Identity Theft

Identity theft is an increasingly common crime, and individuals who are found guilty of identity theft face severe penalties. Identity theft generally involves the use of another person's personal information to commit fraud or theft. Typical identity theft offenses include wrongfully obtaining the names, addresses, Social Security numbers, birth dates or bank account numbers of another person, and using that information to open credit card accounts, apply for loans, open bank accounts, steal money from the victim's existing accounts, rent an apartment, file bankruptcy or obtain a job using the victim's name. “Identity fraud” includes identity theft, plus the creation or use of a fictitious identity, rather than the theft and use of a real identity. Because identity theft is costly to society, prosecutors rigorously pursue offenders in most jurisdictions. Identity theft cases are complex and a criminal defense attorney can help defend against the charges.

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Responding to Theft Charges

Being charged with a theft crime is a serious matter. If you are faced with the possibility of theft charges, you should immediately retain an experienced attorney. In some cases, an attorney may be able to negotiate civil restitution so that no criminal charges are brought, and some prosecutors will not pursue a charge if civil negotiations are progressing. If a civil resolution is not possible, an attorney hired early in the process may be able to help you avoid jail even if charges are brought against you. Retaining an attorney should be your first response to any type of criminal charge. An experienced criminal defense attorney can investigate the facts and build a defense on your behalf.

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White Collar Theft Charges

Although there is no fixed definition of "white collar crime," the term generally describes nonviolent crimes that are based on cheating or dishonesty. White collar crimes are usually quite complex. Although they traditionally carried lesser penalties than other crimes because they were not associated with violence, there is a recent trend toward stricter punishment for white collar crimes as people recognize the financial damage white collar criminals inflict on society. Consequently, defendants convicted of white collar crimes may incur enormous fines, be ordered to pay restitution or spend significant time in prison. Being convicted of a white collar crime frequently destroys the person's livelihood and career, and accuseds should talk to an experienced attorney about their situation.

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