Cook County Looting Defense Lawyer

Chicago Criminal Attorney for Looting Charges and Related Property Crimes

There are several different types of offenses that fall under the category of property crimes. Looting is one offense that has become more common in recent years during protests, natural disasters, or other emergencies. These crimes are taken very seriously by law enforcement, and a person who is accused of looting may face prosecution for multiple different types of offenses. A conviction can result in a number of serious consequences, so those who are charged with looting or any other related offenses will need a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney on their side.

Attorney Hal Garfinkel has over 20 years of experience in criminal law, and he provides dedicated representation for those who have been charged with crimes. His previous experience as a criminal prosecutor provides him with an understanding of the strategies and tactics used by the prosecution during a criminal trial. He is prepared to aggressively advocate on your behalf, and he will fight to help you avoid a criminal conviction or determine whether the charges against you can be reduced to minimize the consequences you may face.

Looting and Related Charges

Under Illinois law, the offense of "looting by individuals" occurs when a person enters a business, another type of public building or establishment, or a private residence and takes property that belongs to someone else. This offense may occur if there was a lack of security on the premises due to a natural disaster, a fire, or a riot. Looting is a Class 4 felony, and those who are convicted of this offense may be sentenced to prison for one to three years, and they will also be required to complete at least 100 hours of community service and pay restitution for property that was stolen.

In addition to looting, a person may be charged with other related offenses, including:

• Mob action - If two or more people assemble together with the intent to commit a misdemeanor or felony, they may be charged with a Class C misdemeanor. If, during an assembly of two or more people, a person disturbs public peace by knowingly or recklessly using violence or force, they may be charged with a Class 4 felony. Felony mob action charges may also apply if a person inflicts an injury on someone else or damages someone's property.
• Criminal damage to property - Looting may involve breaking the windows of an establishment or damaging property inside or outside a building. If a person knowingly damages someone else's property, they may be charged with a Class A misdemeanor if the value of the property was $500 or less. If damaged property was valued between $500 and $10,000, the offense is a Class 4 felony, and damage of property valued above $10,000 may be charged as a Class 3 felony or higher.
• Burglary - Entering a building with the intent to commit theft or a felony offense is a Class 2 felony, and those who are convicted of this offense may be sentenced to prison for between three and seven years.
• Theft - Taking another person's property may result in theft charges, and the severity of the charges will depend on the value of the property. For property worth $500 or less, theft is a Class A misdemeanor. For property worth more than $500, theft is charged as a Class 3 felony, and those who are convicted may be sentenced to prison for between two and five years. More serious felony charges will apply for property worth $10,000 or more.

Contact Our Chicago Looting Lawyer

If you or someone you know have been arrested and charged with looting, mob action, or theft, Attorney Hal M. Garfinkel can provide you with the defense you need. He will fight to protect your rights and help you build an effective defense strategy that will allow you to resolve your case with minimal consequences to your life. Contact us and set up a free, confidential consultation by calling 312-629-0669.