Can I Go to Jail for Buying a Stolen Item?

 Posted on July 29, 2024 in Criminal Defense

With today’s online marketplaces and the ability for virtually anyone to sell things to another person, purchasing stolen items can become an issue. Under Illinois law, it is illegal to purchase or possess stolen property, and charges for purchasing or possessing stolen items can be surprising for individuals who did not know the item they were buying was stolen. A knowledgeable Illinois theft defense lawyer can help you navigate charges for purchasing a stolen item.

Understanding Illinois Theft Laws

The Illinois Criminal Code outlines theft laws for the state, stating that if a person knowingly obtains control over an item that was stolen, or one that the person could have reasonably concluded to be stolen, he or she can be charged with theft.

Examples of situations where you might be able to reasonably conclude that an item is stolen include purchasing a designer item for a fraction of the cost, purchasing a car without a history or title, or purchasing an item that still has security tags attached.

Penalties for purchasing a stolen item in Illinois include:

• A Class A misdemeanor carrying a fine of up to $2,500 and jail time of up to a year if the item is valued at $500 or less

• A Class 3 felony carrying a fine of up to $25,000 and jail time between two and five years if the item is valued between $500 and $10,000

• A Class 2 felony carrying a fine of up to $25,000 and jail time between three and seven years if the item is valued between $10,000 and $100,000

Defense Strategies for Purchasing a Stolen Item

Defense strategies for someone charged with purchasing stolen property vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the purchase and the value of the item purchased.

One of the most notable defense strategies for purchasing a stolen item includes showing that the defendant did not know that the item was stolen during the purchase and that the item could not have reasonably been determined to be stolen. You might also be able to show that you planned to return the property to the owner after purchasing it and learning that it was stolen.

Your attorney will be able to review your specific case and any evidence, creating a strong, situation-specific defense if you are facing charges.

Contact an Aurora, IL Theft Defense Lawyer

Purchasing a stolen item can land you in legal trouble and it is important to understand your rights if you are facing these charges. Contacting a skilled Kane County, IL theft defense attorney is key to ensuring your rights are protected.

Attorney Patricia Magaña has significant experience with theft defense cases, and she will help you put together the strongest defense for your case possible. Call the Law Office of Patricia Magaña, LLC at 630-448-2001 for a free consultation.