Robbery is considered a very serious crime in the state of Illinois, and if you’re accused of committing it, it’s probably a good idea to talk to a Chicago criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Robbery Charges
Prosecutors have to prove that you took property from another person by using force or by threatening to use force.
In addition to standard robbery charges, there are three other types: armed robbery, aggravated robbery and robbery of a motor vehicle.
What is Armed Robbery in Illinois?
Armed robbery, which differs from other robbery charges in the state of Illinois, often carries a harsher punishment. The state can charge you with armed robbery if, during the commission of a robbery, you:
- Carried any type of weapon (a gun, a knife or any other type of weapon)
- Discharged a firearm during the commission of the robbery
- Discharged a firearm and caused someone else to suffer great bodily harm, permanent disability, permanent disfigurement or death
What is Aggravated Robbery in Illinois?
Aggravated robbery refers to a robbery in which you take someone’s property by force or under threat of force and:
- You verbally indicate that you’re armed with a firearm or another weapon
- You drug the victim against his or her consent
What is Robbery of a Motor Vehicle in Illinois?
If you take a motor vehicle (a car, motorcycle or other motorized vehicle) from someone else by using force or threatening to use force, the state can charge you with vehicular hijacking. (It’s what’s commonly called carjacking.)
The state can charge you with aggravated vehicular hijacking if you:
- Stole the vehicle from someone over the age of 60 or someone who is disabled
- Stole the vehicle when there was a passenger under the age of 16 in the car
- Carried or discharged a firearm, with or without hurting someone else
- Carried any type of weapon
Possible Defenses to Robbery Charges in Illinois
Because every case is different, it’s best to talk to your Chicago criminal defense lawyer about possible defenses to your robbery charges. He or she will develop a strategy to help get the best possible outcome in your case. Possible defenses to robbery charges in Illinois may include lack of:
- Intent
- Knowledge
- Bodily injury
- Force
- Threat of force
Your attorney may also argue that intoxication was a factor, or that you didn’t actually take property from another person.
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