Chicago Robbery Lawyer

Experienced Defense Against Robbery Charges in Illinois

At the Law Office of Steven Fine, our Chicago robbery attorney is prepared to do whatever it takes to protect your rights, reputation, and freedom. With over 20 years of criminal defense experience, we have a comprehensive knowledge of Illinois laws and court proceedings to help you every step of the way. Having a qualified lawyer from beginning to end can increase your chances of getting the results you desire.

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Understanding Robbery Laws in Illinois

Most people often confuse robbery with burglary. However, the difference between the two is that robbery is the act of taking property which involves person-to-person interaction with intimidation, coercion, and force, while burglary doesn’t involve interaction with another individual. Due to the violent nature of robberies, the crime is associated with harsher penalties.

A robbery charge can escalate to an armed robbery charge if:

• The individual carries a weapon or firearm;
• The individual discharges a firearm during the robbery; or
• The discharged firearm causes harm or kills another person

Other forms of robbery include vehicular hijacking and aggravated vehicular hijacking. These crimes are committed when an individual uses force or threats to take another’s motor vehicle. Because of the violent and serious nature of aggravated vehicular hijacking, this crime can receive harsher penalties if convicted.

Penalties For Robbery in Illinois

For the prosecution to successfully convict an individual of robbery in Illinois, they must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant stole property from another person by use of force or by threatening imminent force.

Robbery is considered a Class 2 felony, which is punishable by:

• Between three to seven years in prison
• Fines up to $25,000
• Mandatory parole period of two years afterward

However, if the robbery was conducted in a school, day care center, child care facility, or a place of worship, it is a Class 1 felony which carries a prison sentence of:

• Between four to 15 years in prison
• Fines up to $25,000
• Mandatory parole period of two years afterward

Armed robbery is considered a Class X felony and the penalties for an armed robbery conviction can include:

• Between six to 55 years to life in prison
• Fines up to $25,000
• Mandatory parole period of three years afterward

The punishments of a conviction are impacted and determined by the unique circumstances of the crime. For example, an individual who committed armed robbery and shot another person will more than likely receive a harsher penalty than an individual that just carried a firearm during the incident. Our experienced Chicago lawyer can explain to you what penalties you may be facing for your specific charges.

Strategic Defense Against Robbery Charges

At the Law Office of Steven Fine, we believe that every individual has the right to quality defense. As part of that belief, we strive to provide the reliable and impactful defense strategies that put our clients’ best interests first. Robbery law is complicated and can easily be classified differently depending on the tiniest detail. Our defense law firm understands the intricacies of robbery law and can craft a strategy based on your unique situation.

Our attorney can defend you by demonstrating:

• You had a lack of intent
• You had a lack of knowledge you were committing a crime
• You were intoxicated during the crime
• That the police had unlawfully used entrapment to arrest you
• You committed the crime under duress or threat

Because of its threatening nature, robbery is a serious crime. If you have been arrested or charged with robbery, please contact our firm as soon as you are able. The sooner you retain us as your defense attorney, the sooner we will be able to start on your case and begin protecting your rights.