Theft Attorney in Rockford

Charged With Theft In Winnebago County? Schedule a Free Consultation

A theft charge can affect far more than one court date. A conviction can threaten your job, your reputation, your immigration status, and your future opportunities. If you or a loved one has been accused of taking property in the Rockford area, you need clear guidance and steady representation right away.

At DeRango & Cain, LLC, we defend people charged with theft crimes every day. Our criminal defense team is based in Rockford and has more than 100 years of combined legal experience serving clients throughout Northern Illinois. We offer free case evaluations, and our attorneys are available to respond when an arrest happens, even outside normal business hours.

Protect your record and your future by consulting with an experienced theft attorney in Rockford. At DeRango & Cain, LLC, we offer a free consultation to help you understand your rights and start your defense. Call (815) 216-5911 or contact us online today.

Understanding Theft Crimes Laws in Illinois

In Illinois, "theft" is a broad umbrella term governed primarily by 720 ILCS 5/16-1. While many people use the word "theft" to describe any instance of missing property, a Rockford theft crimes lawyer must differentiate between several distinct legal categories to build an effective defense.

General Theft (720 ILCS 5/16-1)

Theft occurs when a person knowingly obtains or exerts unauthorized control over the property of another with the intent to permanently deprive them of its use or benefit. This includes:

• Theft by Deception: Obtaining property through a false promise or misrepresentation.
• Theft by Threat: Using intimidation to gain control of property.
• Theft of Stolen Property: Receiving or possessing property while knowing (or reasonably believing) it was stolen.

Retail Theft (720 ILCS 5/16-25)

Commonly known as shoplifting, retail theft involves taking possession of merchandise from a merchant without paying the full retail value. This also includes altering price tags, transferring items between containers, or using a "theft detection shielding device" (like a lined bag) to bypass security.

Distinction from Related Offenses

It is critical to distinguish theft from more serious "crimes of violence":

• Robbery: Unlike theft, robbery involves taking property directly from a person through the use of force or by threatening the imminent use of force.
• Burglary: This involves the unlawful entry into a building, vehicle, or "habitation" with the intent to commit a theft or felony once inside. You can be charged with burglary even if nothing was actually taken.

Many cases in the Rockford area involve allegations of retail theft from local stores, taking items from workplaces, or possession of property that is claimed to be stolen. Even when a case feels minor, a conviction can create a record that employers, landlords, schools, and licensing boards may see. For young people, a juvenile theft adjudication can affect education and future opportunities.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Theft Convictions in Illinois

Illinois categorizes theft penalties based on the value of the property and the location of the offense. A Rockford theft crimes lawyer will warn you that even a "petty" theft can quickly escalate into a life-altering felony.

Misdemeanor Theft

• Class A Misdemeanor: For property valued at $500 or less (or $300 or less for retail theft). This is punishable by up to 364 days in jail and fines up to $2,500.

Felony Theft

• Class 4 Felony: If the theft occurred in a school or place of worship, or if the defendant has a prior theft conviction, even a small amount can result in 1 to 3 years in prison.
• Class 3 Felony: Theft of property valued between $500 and $10,000 (or taking property directly from a person, like pickpocketing). This carries a sentence of 2 to 5 years.
• Class 2 Felony: Theft of property valued between $10,000 and $100,000, punishable by 3 to 7 years.
• Class 1 Felony: For values exceeding $100,000, sentences can reach 15 years. If the value exceeds $1,000,000, it becomes a Class X Felony with mandatory prison time of up to 30 years.

Collateral Consequences

Beyond jail time, a theft conviction is a "crime of moral turpitude." This means:

• Career Barriers: You may be barred from working in healthcare, finance, or any job requiring a bond.
• Immigration Issues: For non-citizens, a theft conviction can lead to deportation or denial of citizenship.
• Professional Stigma: A permanent record for "dishonesty" can make it impossible to pass even basic background checks.

Illinois law also recognizes that every situation is different. Outcomes in theft cases can be influenced by the facts, the person’s history, the type of property involved, and how quickly a defense is prepared. Some people may be eligible for negotiated outcomes, reduced charges, or alternatives that can help reduce long-term impact. Our role is to evaluate your specific circumstances and explain what may realistically be possible for you.

What To Do After A Theft Arrest

An arrest for theft or larceny can be frightening and confusing. You may be taken to the Winnebago County Jail, questioned by police, or asked to explain yourself by store security. In that moment, it can be hard to know what to say or do. The steps you take right away can affect your case and your options later.

Police and security personnel often want detailed statements, but you are not required to explain the incident without an attorney. Anything you say can be used as evidence in court. It is usually safer to politely provide basic identifying information and clearly state that you wish to speak with a lawyer before answering questions about what happened.

If you have just been arrested or a loved one is in custody, these steps can help protect your rights:

• Stay calm and avoid arguing with police or store staff about the accusation.
• Do not discuss details of the incident on recorded phone lines or social media.
• Write down your recollection of events as soon as you can, including names of any witnesses.
• Keep copies of any paperwork, bond documents, or court notices you receive.
• Contact our office as soon as possible so our attorneys can begin advising you before important decisions are made.

We answer calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If an arrest occurs overnight or on a weekend, you can reach out to us so that our team can begin guiding you through the next steps and helping you prepare for court in Rockford or elsewhere in Northern Illinois.

Why Choose Our Theft Defense Attorneys in Rockford

When you are deciding who should stand beside you in court, experience and local knowledge matter. Our firm has been serving Rockford and Northern Illinois for decades, and our attorneys regularly appear in criminal courts in Winnebago County and the surrounding region. We handle a wide range of criminal matters, including theft and other property offenses, for both adults and juveniles.

Senior attorney Christopher A. DeRango is licensed in Illinois and admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Attorney Aaron Buscemi is also admitted in the Northern District of Illinois and represents clients in criminal defense. Attorney Melinda Jacobson handles criminal defense with extensive experience in juvenile delinquency. Attorney Rahnesha C. Williams represents clients in criminal defense and orders of protection, which can sometimes arise from the same set of events as a theft allegation.

Several of our attorneys have been peer-selected by Leading Lawyers®, including recognitions in recent years. Attorney Patrick M. Moore is a Life Member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a distinction that reflects significant success in serious civil matters. While those honors do not predict the outcome of any theft case, they do show that other lawyers recognize our team’s skill and dedication in complex litigation.

We are also committed to serving our whole community. We offer service in Spanish, which can be important when a person or family member is more comfortable discussing sensitive issues in that language. Our attorneys work together across practice areas, so if a theft accusation affects employment, business ownership, or school status, we can coordinate a broader legal strategy for you.

To talk with a theft lawyer in Rockford about your situation, call us today at (815) 216-5911 or fill out this online form now.