Champaign Grand Theft Defense Lawyer

If you’ve been arrested for grand theft, you are undoubtedly distraught, frightened and overwhelmed. Your feelings are not only understandable and typical, as a grand theft conviction can come with harsh penalties, including significant imprisonment. If you’ve been charged with grand theft, now is the time to consider your defense. An accusation does not guarantee a conviction, and the Champaign grand theft defense attorneys of the Bruno Law Offices are here to help defend you against the charges you face. Time is of the essence, so contact us at (217) 328-6000, fill out a contact form, or chat with us live to schedule a consultation with us today.

Why Choose the Bruno Law Offices?

Selecting a skilled and experienced defense attorney is paramount. A knowledgeable grand theft defense attorney could mean the difference between exoneration and a criminal conviction. The right attorney is one with experience in all levels of theft defense, one who has a proven success record in complex litigation, and one who has a thorough understanding of all the complicated variables involved in the Illinois statutes and laws. Finally, you might consider the successful outcomes achieved by a grand theft defense attorney. The choice is yours, and it is critical that you choose wisely.

You should remember that the complex Illinois laws governing grand theft requires a lawyer who is equally as sophisticated in litigating such charges and who has a proven track record of success. Your legal team should know the nuances and intricacies of a successful grand theft defense. Most likely, there are defenses available to you that can only be determined by a seasoned criminal defense lawyer. The Champaign criminal lawyers at the Bruno Law Offices are experienced in grand theft litigation and have a track record of successfully helping people just like you.

At your initial meeting, your attorney will clearly explain the charges you are facing and what you should expect moving forward. After you have retained us, we will begin piecing together a sound defense that meets your specific circumstances. When you work with us, you will be working with a team that cares about reducing the impact of a conviction on their clients and their families. It’s in your best interest to contact us as soon as possible.

Defending Against Grand Theft Charges

To understand the seriousness of grand theft, you should know what distinguishes grand theft from the other less serious types of theft crimes. The word “theft” often describes various crimes including embezzlement (theft or misuse of funds placed in one’s trust or belonging to one’s employer), extortion (obtaining money through force or threats), receiving stolen property and unauthorized use of property. On the other hand, grand theft typically applies to what is known as larceny, the theft of personal or tangible property. Grand theft or felony theft is a serious offense in Illinois. If convicted, the penalties are severe. They typically include prison time, a significant fine, and a permanent criminal record. A felony conviction can further result in loss of career, expulsion from school, loss of financial aid, a lengthy probation period and other problems in your life.

Felony theft can involve a number of scenarios, and all carry significant penalties. Generally, the value of the property stolen will determine the penalty, including:

• Theft involving property valued between $100,000.00 and $500,000.00 is termed a Class 1 felony.
• Theft of property valued between $10,000.00 and $100,000.00 is a Class 2 felony.
• Theft of property directly from a person of up to $500.00 or theft not of a person of $500.00 to $10,000.00 is considered a Class 3 felony.
• A Class 4 felony is defined as theft that is committed in a school or church, theft of government property; or if a person has a previous conviction for a similar offense.

The penalties can range from five to fifteen years or greater in prison and $25,000.00 in fines. Generally speaking, as the dollar value of the theft increases, so to do the penalties and punishment. Complicating factors, including things that may increase the punishment include such factors as property taken from the person of another (robbery of a person), retail theft, theft that occurs in a school, theft that takes place at a place of worship, theft of government property, theft involving the “exploitation” of an elderly person or a person with a disability is further complicating. Convictions for any previous criminal offenses will also be factored into the punishment.

While grand theft is a serious charge, it is important to remember that you have rights, one of which is to be represented by an attorney. In fact, the solution to getting your life back begins with competent legal representation. You will need a strong and experienced advocate to act on your behalf. Your defense is now crucial to your future aspirations. Hiring the right attorney is imperative.

Successful advocacy on your behalf requires a detailed forensic analysis of every aspect surrounding the circumstances of your arrest. There are a wide variety of errors and missteps that could have occurred on the part of legal authorities that might disqualify future evidence or testimony. Your rights may have been violated, or there may be minute details that can serve as the basis for a motion to suppress evidence. Many of the potential errors are subtle and not apparent to people who have not studied the law. Recognition of these requires an experienced grand theft defense attorney.

Contact Us

Remember that defending against grand theft charges can be complicated. You need a lawyer who has the knowledge, experience, and history of success in theft litigation. The Champaign theft and burglary lawyers of the Bruno Law Offices are here to help you, so don’t wait to contact us. We are ready to begin your defense immediately. Contact us today at (217) 328-6000, chat with us online, or fill out a contact form to get the help you need right away.