The state of Illinois takes the crimes of burglary and home invasion very seriously. A person who is convicted of these crimes faces the possibility of years behind bars in a state prison facility. A criminal defense attorney in Belvidere, Il provides legal representation to clear the client of these charges or to work for as lenient a sentence as possible.
Burglary
Burglary is a nonviolent crime that results in charges of theft and, perhaps, property damage. To commit a burglary one may require shattering a window or prying open a door with a crowbar. Burglars may cause damage inside a home as they try to find valuable items quickly. This activity typically leads to multiple charges from the prosecuting attorney. A criminal defense attorney in Belvidere, Il works on all of the charges for the best outcome.
Robbery
If a burglar is surprised by someone in the home and continues to commit theft, the charge now becomes robbery. The state considers robbery a more serious offense. The burglar might raise the same tool used to break in and threaten to use it as a weapon. Now, the prosecution can charge armed robbery.
Home Invasion
Home invasion is considered to include the intent of violent behavior or property damage. Sentences for this crime can be very harsh, even if nobody was physically harmed. If a child was in the home at the time of the break-in, for example, a judge can issue a sentence of up to 25 years in prison. State law requires a minimum of 10 years without the possibility of parole.
Multiple Charges
In all of the above situations, penalties escalate when the defendant is convicted of multiple offenses. Being arrested and charged with multiple crimes is the beginning of a difficult and frightening journey through the U.S. justice system. Therefore, it’s crucial to have a knowledgeable defense attorney with a firm like Crosby Law Firm fighting the charges. Visit their website online to get started.
