Facing Theft or Burglary Charges? Ms. Williams Will Fight to Protect Your Record and Your Future.
Property crime charges in Illinois carry penalties that escalate quickly based on the value of property involved and the circumstances of the alleged offense. A retail theft charge that seems minor can become a felony based on prior history. A burglary charge—even when nothing was stolen—is automatically a felony that can result in years in prison.
Updated September 2026
With over 33 years of legal experience, Ms. Williams has defended clients facing theft and burglary charges throughout Central Illinois. She understands how prosecutors build these cases and she knows how to challenge them—from questioning the identification of the accused to disputing the value of property to attacking the evidence of intent.
What Is at Stake with Property Crime Charges
A theft or burglary conviction creates a criminal record that signals dishonesty to every future employer, landlord, and licensing board that runs a background check. Many employers will not hire someone with a theft conviction. Professional licenses in fields like healthcare, finance, education, and law can be denied or revoked. For non-citizens, a theft conviction can have severe immigration consequences including deportation.
The criminal penalties alone are significant—residential burglary carries 4-15 years in prison and is not eligible for probation under Illinois law. Even misdemeanor retail theft can escalate to a felony if you have prior theft-related convictions.
How Ms. Williams Defends Theft and Burglary Cases
Theft and burglary cases depend heavily on proving intent. Ms. Williams focuses her defense on the prosecution's weakest element—whether that is the identification of her client, the evidence of intent, the valuation of property, or the circumstances surrounding the alleged offense.
In retail theft cases, she examines surveillance footage, receipt records, and the actions of store security. Honest mistakes, absent-mindedness, and misunderstandings do happen—and they are not crimes. In burglary cases, she challenges the evidence of unauthorized entry and the alleged intent to commit a crime inside the structure.
She reviews every piece of evidence the prosecution plans to use, files motions to suppress evidence obtained improperly, and prepares your case with the thoroughness that over 33 years of legal experience demands.
Theft and Property Charges Ms. Williams Defends
Shoplifting, concealment of merchandise, price tag alteration, and related retail offenses. First offense under $300 is a Class A misdemeanor. Prior convictions or higher values elevate the charge to a felony. Ms. Williams fights to protect your record.
Obtaining or exerting unauthorized control over property, theft by deception, theft of services, and theft of lost or mislaid property. Penalties range from misdemeanor to Class 1 felony based on value. Ms. Williams challenges the evidence of intent and value at every stage.
Entering a building, vehicle, or structure without authority with intent to commit a felony or theft. A Class 2 felony (3-7 years). Residential burglary is a Class 1 felony (4-15 years) and is not probationable. These serious charges require aggressive, experienced defense.
Taking property from another person by force or threat of force. A Class 2 felony. Armed robbery involving a firearm is a Class X felony with a mandatory 15-year enhancement. Ms. Williams brings 33 years of experience to these high-stakes cases.
Illinois Theft and Burglary Law
Illinois theft law (720 ILCS 5/16-1) defines theft as knowingly obtaining or exerting unauthorized control over the property of another with intent to deprive the owner permanently. The severity of the charge depends primarily on the value of the property taken and the defendant's prior criminal history.
Burglary (720 ILCS 5/19-1) does not require that anything actually be stolen. The crime is complete upon unauthorized entry with the intent to commit a felony or theft inside. Residential burglary (720 ILCS 5/19-3) carries enhanced penalties because of the invasion of someone's home—4 to 15 years in prison with no eligibility for probation. See also: 720 ILCS 5/19-6: Home Invasion in Illinois.
For theft offenses, the value thresholds determine the classification: under $500 is a Class A misdemeanor; $500 to $10,000 is a Class 3 felony (2-5 years); $10,000 to $100,000 is a Class 2 felony (3-7 years); $100,000 to $1,000,000 is a Class 1 felony (4-15 years), non-probationable above $500,000; and over $1,000,000 is a Class X felony (6-30 years) (720 ILCS 5/16-1(b)). Prior theft convictions can enhance the charge by one class regardless of the value involved.
Frequently Asked Questions: Theft and Burglary Defense
What is the difference between theft and burglary?
Theft involves taking someone else's property without authorization. Burglary involves entering a building or structure without authority with intent to commit a crime inside. You can be charged with burglary even if nothing was actually stolen—the crime is the unauthorized entry with criminal intent.
What are the penalties for theft in Illinois?
Penalties are based on the value of property. Under $500 is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 364 days (just under one year) in jail). $500 to $10,000 is a Class 3 felony (2-5 years). $10,000 to $100,000 is a Class 2 felony (3-7 years). $100,000 to $1,000,000 is a Class 1 felony (4-15 years), and non-probationable above $500,000. Over $1,000,000 is a Class X felony (6-30 years). Prior theft convictions can enhance the charge regardless of value.
Can a retail theft charge be expunged?
Dismissed charges and acquittals may be eligible for expungement. Convictions for retail theft generally cannot be expunged but may be eligible for sealing depending on the circumstances and time elapsed. Ms. Williams can advise on your specific situation during your consultation.
Is burglary always a felony?
Yes. Standard burglary is a Class 2 felony (3-7 years). Residential burglary is a Class 1 felony (4-15 years) and is not probationable. This means that even a first-time offender convicted of residential burglary faces a mandatory prison sentence. Experienced defense counsel is critical.
What defenses are available for theft charges?
Common defenses include lack of intent to steal, claim of right or belief of ownership, consent from the owner, mistaken identity, and challenging the valuation of the property. Ms. Williams evaluates every aspect of the case to determine the strongest defense available.
Ms. Williams handles theft and burglary cases throughout Central Illinois including Peoria County, McLean County, Tazewell County, LaSalle County, and Macon County. She also defends drug crimes, assault and battery, domestic violence, and all other criminal defense matters. Because a retail theft charge can be filed as a misdemeanor, see also her misdemeanor defense overview.