Burglary Charges and Penalties

Burglary charges are serious – and the penalties are harsh if the court convicts you.

So what makes up the crime of burglary, and what are the consequences of a conviction?

Here’s what you need to know.

Burglary Charges and Penalties

The police can charge you with the crime of burglary under 720 ILCS 5/19-1. That law says a person is guilty if they knowingly enter a place without authority to do so while intending to commit a felony or theft inside.

Burglary itself is a felony, and there are multiple charges that can stem from one incident – including residential burglary and possession of burglary tools. Plain burglary is a Class 2 felony that comes with a penalty of 3 to 7 years in prison.

Residential Burglary

Residential burglary, which is a Class 1 felony that carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison, is one of the more severe burglary charges. That one’s governed by 720 ILCS 5/19.3, and it requires that you enter a person’s residence (the law says “the dwelling place of another”) while intending to commit a felony or theft inside.

Possession of Burglary Tools

You can’t have tools that allow you to commit a burglary with you – especially if you actually commit a burglary. Many people who are charged with burglary have this charge added, as well, and it’s another Class 4 felony.

Do You Need to Talk to a Lawyer About Burglary Charges and Penalties?

If you need to talk to an attorney about burglary charges and penalties, we’re here for you.

Call us at 847-920-4540 for a free burglary case review. You’ll talk to an experienced burglary defense lawyer who will answer all your questions and begin building a defense strategy that gets you the best possible outcome right now.