Burglary / Burglary Charges

What is Burglary?

Burglary is covered under 720 ILCS 5/19-1. Basically burglary is when you enter someone’s house or car intending to steal something. It is not enough that you illegally enter a building or a motor vehicle. You have to do so with the intent to steal. The Cook County, Lake County, DuPage County and Kane County criminal defense attorneys at John D. Ioakimidis understand that in order to convict someone of a Burglary, 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 which is punishable from between 3 to 7 years in jail. However, as an alternative to jail, 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.

The Cook, Lake, DuPage and Kane County criminal defense attorneys at John D. Ioakimidis have extensive experience in representing individuals charged with Burglary in all the local courthouses. Let the extensive experience and the impressive track record of the Cook, Lake, DuPage and Kane County criminal defense lawyers at John D. Ioakimidis go to work for you to evaluate your Burglary case to determine what is the best defense for you. The prosecutor has to prove you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The Illinois criminal defense attorneys at John D. Ioakimidis have extensive experience in creating reasonable doubt in Burglary cases. In addition, the criminal defense attorneys at John D. Ioakimidis will carefully examine the police reports to examine if your rights have been violated and will not hesitate to file the appropriate Motions to dismiss your Burglary case if such violations did occur.

What is Residential Burglary?

Residential Burglary is covered under 720 ILCS 5/19-3. The difference between Burglary and Residential Burglary is that Residential Burglary means that you entered someone’s house. It is important to note that the prosecution must prove that you must have intended to commit a felony or theft when you entered the house. If the prosecutor is unable to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you intended to commit a felony or theft, it is likely that you will be charged with Criminal Trespass to Residence which is a Class A misdemeanor. Court Supervision is available as an alternative to jail.

Because the Cook, Lake, DuPage and Kane County criminal defense attorneys at John D. Ioakimidis have extensive experience representing clients charged with Residential Burglary, they are often able to get the charges reduced to a regular Burglary or to Criminal Trespass.

Residential Burglary is considered a much more serious crime than regular Burglary. Residential Burglary is a Class 1 felony which carries 4 to 15 years in prison. Probation is not available for a Residential Burglary.

The Illinois criminal defense attorneys at John D. Ioakimidis will examine every detail of your Residential Burglary case to achieve the best possible outcome. The criminal defense attorneys at John D. Ioakimidis, understand the difference between Burglary and Residential Burglary. Because of the difference in the punishment between Burglary and Residential Burglary is so significant, the extensive experience of an attorney at the Illinois criminal defense attorneys at John D. Ioakimidis, can mean the difference between victory and defeat, or prison or probation.

Possession of Burglary Tools

Possession of Burglary Tools is covered under 720 ILCS 5/19 2. Basically, you can be charged with Possession of Burglary Tools if you are caught with tool that can be used to break into a car or house. In most cases, a person is charged with Possession of Burglary Tools along with a Burglary or a Residential Burglary. In such cases, Possession of Burglary tools is the least serious charge. However, if the only charge is Possession of Burglary Tools, it is much harder for the prosecution to prove their case because the prosecutor is required to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you had the intent to steal something. The criminal defense attorneys at John D. Ioakimidis, have extensive experience in representing clients charged with Possession of Burglary Tools. Put the valuable and extensive experience of the criminal defense attorneys at John D. Ioakimidis, to work for you to give you the best chance of winning your case.

Possession of Burglary Tools is a Class 4 Felony that is punishable by a potential prison sentence of 1 to 3 years. However, probation is available as an alternative to jail.

Why Hire John D. Ioakimidis for Your Burglary Case?

The Cook, Lake, DuPage and Kane County criminal defense attorneys at John D. Ioakimidis. will examine all aspects of your Burglary case and will use their experience to win your case or get your case dismissed.

In the alternative, we will use our negotiating skills to convince the court and the prosecutor to come with an effective and constructive sentencing option that gives you the best chance of avoiding jail and fines.

The Illinois criminal defense lawyers at John D. Ioakimidis have a proven track record of results in Burglary Charges and Residential Burglary cases. Put that experience and the proven track record to work for you!

If you are facing Burglary or Residential Burglary charges in Cook County, Lake County, DuPage County or Kane County, give us a call. We can help.