Robbery, Aggravated Robbery, and Armed Robbery

Award-winning Illinois Robbery lawyer John D. Ioakimidis has over two decades of experience representing thousands of clients throughout Chicago, Cook County, Lake County and DuPage County. He has extensive experience handling Robbery, Aggravated Robbery, Armed Robbery, Theft and other serious crimes. He has developed a reputation for winning for his clients and has been recognized as a top criminal defense robbery attorney by various national organizations.

What is Robbery?

Illinois Robbery law is covered in 720 ILCS 5/18 1. Robbery is when you take the property of another person by threatening to use physical force or using force. In Illinois, Robbery is a Class 2 felony which carries a possible prison sentence of 3 to 7 years. If the robbery is committed upon a person that is over 60 years old, is physically handicapped, or if the Robbery occurred in a school or church, the Robbery can be charged as a Class 1 felony. A Class 1 felony is punishable by a jail sentence of 4 to 15 years. Under certain circumstances, the sentence for a Class 1 felony Robbery can be extended from 30 to 60 years in prison. However, Probation for Robbery is available unless prohibited by 730 ILCS 5/5-5-3(c)2. For example, probation is not available for someone who has committed a Class 2 felony or greater within the past ten years. Deferred prosecution, Theft School, First Offender Probation or Second Chance Probation are not available for Robbery.

What is Aggravated Robbery?

In Illinois, Aggravated Robbery is committed when you indicate to the victim that you have a dangerous weapon during the Robbery. It will still be considered an Aggravated Robbery even if it is later determined that you had no firearm or other dangerous weapon. An example is when you indicate that you have a gun during a Robbery and it turns out that you didn’t have a gun. A dangerous weapon is not only a gun, but can also include things like a bludgeon, ax, sword, or knife. Aggravated Robbery is a Class 1 felony which punishable by a sentence of four to fifteen years in prison. Under certain circumstances, the sentence for a Class 1 felony can be extended to fifteen to thirty years in prison. As an alternative to jail, Probation may be an option unless specifically prohibited by Illinois law.

What is Armed Robbery?

Under Illinois law, Armed Robbery is committed if you use a gun, or other dangerous weapons while committing a Robbery. The dangerous weapon doesn’t have to be a firearm – it can be knife or switchblade. A person can also be guilty of Armed Robbery if during the commission of Robbery, a firearm is discharged, and it causes great bodily harm, permanent disability, permanent disfigurement, or death to another person.

Armed Robbery is considered a very serious offense under the sentencing laws of Illinois with severe consequences. It’s considered a Class X felony which carries a mandatory prison sentence of 6 to 30 years in prison if convicted. Probation is not available for a conviction for a Class X felony nor is deferred prosecution. Under certain aggravating circumstances, a conviction for a Class X felony can be extended between 30 to 60 years in prison. The person’s previous criminal record has a lot to do with whether a person receives the lower or higher end of the sentencing range for Armed Robbery. Also, many judges tend to give lesser sentences to people who take responsibility for their actions.

Highly Experienced Robbery Attorney John D. Ioakimidis

The differences between Robbery, Armed Robbery and Aggravated Robbery are significant, and the consequences can vary greatly. Robbery lawyer, John D. Ioakimidis, has successfully defended thousands of cases in Chicago, Cook County, DuPage County and Lake County for over 23 years. He has the developed the skills necessary to create and execute an aggressive defense of your case. Cases involving Robbery, Aggravated Robbery, Armed Robbery concern difficult and technical questions concerning many different elements contained in the various statutes. Each case must be examined individually, and each factor analyzed when coming up with an effective defense. Having a veteran robbery attorney John D. Ioakimidis by your side when facing such serious allegations is vital to preserving your freedom.

Robbery lawyer, John D. Ioakimidis, can help you through this very difficult time. He has the knowledge and experience to implement a smart and effective strategy for your case. For solid advice, call 312-229-5500 for a free and confidential consultation if you have a case pending in Chicago, Cook County, DuPage County or Lake County.