If you or a loved one is facing burglary, felony theft or armed robbery charges, you need an experienced and skilled Illinois criminal defense attorney. Chicago defense lawyer Jonathan Minkus is committed to providing individuals with the strongest possible defense.
With more than 33 years of aggressive criminal defense experience and respected for his trial skills, Chicago lawyer Jonathan Minkus tirelessly defends individuals charged with:
Shoplifting, pickpocketing, purse snatching, mugging can all be instances of felony theft depending on the accused’s past conviction record, the value of the goods stolen, and the whether the stolen items were taken from a person or from a store or building.
Why do you need a lawyer for your theft case? Felony theft convictions can carry sentences of up to 15 years in prison. If you are charged with a felony theft, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney to handle your case and help you avoid substantial jail time. Chicago felony theft lawyer Jonathan Minkus will examine all aspects of your case and use his extensive criminal defense experience to get your case dismissed or your charges reduced. Alternatively, he will use his adept negotiating skills to convince the court and the prosecutor to offer a constructive sentencing option that gives you the best chance of avoiding jail and/or fines.
To discuss your theft charge, contact our experienced Chicago criminal defense firm or call (847) 966-0300.
Under Illinois law, a person commits a Burglary (720 ILCS 5/19-1) if he or she without authorization, enters or remains within a building, house trailer, watercraft, aircraft or motor vehicle with the intent to commit a felony or theft.
According to Illinois law, it is not enough that someone illegally enters a building or a motor vehicle. The state is required to prove that they entered a house or a motor vehicle with the intent to steal something or to commit another felony.
Burglary is considered a Class 2 felony crime and is punishable from 3 to 7 years in jail. However, up to 4 years of probation may be available if you have not been convicted of a class 2 felony or greater within the previous 10 years.
Residential burglary involves knowingly and without authority entering or knowingly and without authority remaining within the dwelling of another person with the intent to commit a felony or theft. Residential Burglary is considered a much more serious crime than regular Burglary. Residential burglary is a Class 1 felony that may result in up to 15 years in prison. Unlike regular burglary, if you are convicted, probation is not an option. However, like regular burglary, the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant intend to commit a felony or theft.
At the Law Offices of Jonathan Minkus, we have extensive experience representing clients accused of residential burglary. In addition to working toward dismissal of your case or to get our charges reduced to Criminal Trespass or regular Burglary, with the possibility of probation or court supervision instead of jail time.
To successfully defend your burglary case, Jonathan Minkus will examine every detail of your Residential Burglary case to achieve the best possible outcome. Mr. Minkus possesses the extensive experience required in representing individuals charged with Burglary or Residential throughout Cook County and the Chicago land area. Let us go to work for you to evaluate your burglary charges case to determine what is the best defense for your individual situation. Call (847) 966-0300.
Robbery is an Illinois Class 2 felony crime. Like burglary, robbery occurs when an individual takes property (except a motor vehicle) from another person or from another person’s building. Robbery is different from burglary because it involves the use of force or a threat of the imminent use of force. If convicted of Robbery, you may be imprisoned for between 3 to 7 years. In some cases, the sentence can be as much as 14 years in prison.
If a victim is 60 years of age or older or is physically handicapped—or if the Robbery is committed in a school or place of worship—it becomes a Class 1 felony, which is punishable by 4 to 15 years in prison and can, under some circumstances, be extended to 30 to 60 years in prison.
Robbery becomes Aggravated Robbery if, in addition to the use of force or threat of force, the perpetrator indicates verbally or through actions that he or she is armed with a gun, knife, club, ax or other dangerous weapon. A robbery is still considered aggravated even if at a later point it is determined that the defendant did not possess a fire arm or other dangerous weapon. For example, if the accused pointed a toy gun and indicated the intent to shoot while taking money from the victim, the robbery would still be considered aggravated.
As a Class 1 felony, Aggravated Robbery is punishable by 4 to 15 years in prison. But this sentence, under certain circumstances, can be extended to 15 to 30 years.
If you or a loved one is accused of Robbery, it is imperative to contact an experienced Chicago criminal defense attorney, such as Jonathan Minkus. Mr. Minkus has the knowledge of Illinois criminal law that is vital to a strong defense and, in the case of a conviction, for negotiating the most lenient sentencing available, including possible probation for both Robbery or Aggravated Robbery. Call us today at (847) 966-0300.
Under Illinois Law, an individual commits Armed Robbery (720 ILCS 5/18 2) if, while committing a Robbery, he or she is carrying—or is armed with—a dangerous weapon. This does not have to be a gun or firearm. It only has to be a dangerous weapon.
Chicago and Illinois police, county prosecutors and judges consider Armed Robbery to be a very serious offense. In Illinois, Armed Robbery is a Class X felony and carries a minimum prison sentence of 6 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison. Probation is not available for a Class X felony conviction. Under certain circumstances, an Armed Robbery conviction can result in a prison sentence of 30 to 60 years. That is most of your life.
Since many cases involving Robbery, Aggravated Robbery, and Armed Robbery concern difficult and technical questions concerning many factors stated in the various statutes and laws, each case must be evaluated individually and each factor has to be taken into consideration when coming up with an effective plan of attack. Jonathan Minkus, a highly respected Chicago criminal defense attorney, has the extensive experience and legal knowledge that are vital for successfully representing individuals charged with Armed Robbery in Illinois and Northwest Indiana. He understands the subtle differences between Aggravated Robbery and Armed Robbery and is fluent in the complex factors involved in sentencing for Robbery, Aggravated Robbery and Armed Robbery.
Contact the Law Offices of Jonathan Minkus at (847) 966-0300 immediately if you or a loved one is charged with felony theft, robbery, aggravated robbery or armed robbery in Chicago, Northern Illinois or the Northwest Indiana area. Mr. Minkus offers the skilled and experienced criminal defense you need to have charges dismissed or reduced and sentences minimized. Unlike large defense firms, you will not be defended in court by an unseasoned lawyer. Mr. Minkus personally handles client cases from start to finish. He will look at the specific facts of your case and determine the most effective defense strategy for your case.
Call (847) 966-0300 or contact our Chicago or Skokie office today for a FREE initial consultation and start building your best defense.
Senior Partner Jonathan Minkus has successfully defended individuals charged with every conceivable criminal offense, from traffic misdemeanors to death-penalty eligible homicides.