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POSSESSION OF STOLEN PROPERTY CHICAGO CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY
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Possession of Stolen Property Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney Explains How Illinois Law Defines the Offense of Stolen Property.
In fact, there are different kinds of theft offenses in Illinois. For example, simple theft. At the same time, there are other offenses related to theft. For instance, possession of the stolen property is one of them. Thus, possession of stolen property Chicago criminal defense attorney Tikhvinskiy warns that this offense allows a prosecutor to charge you with theft if you did not actually take the property from its owner.
Possession of Stolen Property in Illinois Is a Crime.
Specifically, 720 ILCS 5/16-1(4) states that it is a crime to obtain control over stolen property knowing the property to have been stolen or under such circumstances as would reasonably induce him or her to believe that the property was stolen. Thus, the prosecutor must prove the following elements of the crime to prove that you are guilty of the offense. First, that you obtained control over stolen property. Most importantly, the stolen property does not need to be in your possession. Therefore, if you had the right to control the stolen property, you were committing the offense of possession of the stolen property.
Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney Tikhvinskiy Explains What State Has to Prove to Convict You.
Second, the prosecutor must prove that you possessed the stolen property knowingly. Generally, that means that the individual who received the stolen property must have known the item was stolen. For example, prosecutors try to show that you tried to hide the identity of the rightful owner while keeping his or her property. Usually, prosecutors look for any clues that show that you understood that somebody stole that property. Typically, prosecutors try to prove this element of the offense with circumstantial evidence.
A Common Example of Possession of Stolen Property.
For instance, a common example of possession of the stolen property in Illinois includes a situation where a gang member commits a burglary from a store. He takes several TVs from the store. Next, he tells his friend how he got those TVs. Of course, he asks his friend to hide it in his home until he finds a purchaser. Here, a state’s attorney can charge the gang member’s friend with possession of the stolen property. First, he obtains control over stolen TVs and hid them. Second, he knew that his friend stole those TVs from the store.
Legal Penalties for Possession of Stolen Property.
In fact, it is always illegal to possess stolen property. First, it is a misdemeanor to possess the stolen property that costs less than $500. Second, it is always a felony to possess the stolen property that costs more than $500. Moreover, the state will charge you with a felony even if you possessed stolen property that costs less than $500 if previously you were convicted of any theft. Thus, you can be charged with the felony possession of a stolen book that costs $5 if you already have a theft conviction.
Call Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney Tikhvinskiy if You Have Questions About Your Case.
Being arrested and charged with the crime of possession of the stolen property is different than being convicted. A prosecutor must prove their case. At the same time, every theft crime is unique and has its own set of circumstances. Therefore, there are defenses available to you. Thus, if you are under criminal investigation, or the State has already charged you, you need to immediately consult with Possession of Stolen Property Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney Tikhvinskiy. He will sit down with you to discuss the facts of your case and potential defense strategies. Chicago criminal defense attorney Tikhvinskiy uses a wide range of legal defense strategies against charges of possession of stolen property.
Defenses to the Offense of Possession of Stolen Property Explained by Possession of Stolen Property Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney Tikhvinskiy.
Usually, the most common defenses include the following strategies. First, you did not know that someone stole the property. Thus, Chicago criminal defense lawyer Tikhvinskiy can undermine the State’s position that you knew that the property was in fact stolen. Here, the burden of proof is on the prosecutor. Specifically, Chicago criminal defense attorney Tikhvinskiy can show that it was reasonable for you to think that the property was not stolen.
Contact Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney Tikhvinskiy if You Have Questions About Your Case.
If the State’s attorney accused you of receiving or possession of stolen property, you will face harsh legal consequences if you do not fight for your rights. However, early intervention by possession of stolen property Chicago criminal defense attorney Tikhvinskiy can have a huge impact on the outcome of your case. Chicago criminal defense attorney Tikhvinskiy has the experience and skills necessary to aggressively fight for you for the best possible outcome. Thus, it is imperative for you to call Chicago criminal defense attorney Tikhvinskiy. The first consultation is 100% free and confidential!