The State of Illinois regards burglary of property as a very serious offense. If you’ve been arrested for motor vehicle burglary, you’re facing felony charges punishable by high fines and lengthy prison terms. It might seem to you that the punishment outweighs the severity of your crime but you don’t have to let one mistake ruin your life. An experienced lawyer like Matthew Chivari understands the charges against you and your rights under the law. As a Chicago criminal defense attorney for motor vehicle burglary, he could work for reduction of the charges against you, obtain dismissal of your case, or obtain the minimum penalty prescribed under the law.
What is the Illinois Law Regarding Motor Vehicle Burglary?
720 ILCS 5/19 states that a person commits burglary when without authority he knowingly enters or without authority remains within a motor vehicle with intent to commit therein a felony or theft. Motor vehicle burglary is a Class 2 felony punishable by 3 to 7 years in state prison and/or a fine up to $25,000. A burglary committed in a school or place of worship is a Class 1 felony punishable by 4 to 15 years in state prison and/or a fine up to $25,000. These are serious charges and you need an experienced criminal lawyer fighting for you.
Lawyers caution that Illinois law also makes it a felony offense just to possess the tools that could be used to commit a car burglary. Under the law, a person commits the offense of “possession of burglary tools” when he:
Possesses any key, tool, instrument, device, or any explosive, suitable for use in breaking into a motor vehicle as defined in the Illinois Vehicle Code or any depository designed for the safekeeping of property, or any part thereof, with intent to enter any such place and with intent to commit therein a felony or theft
If you’re caught with burglary tools under suspicious circumstances in the vicinity of a car, Chicago police are likely going to take you into custody and you’ll need a knowledgeable defense lawyer to beat the charges against you. Possession of burglary tools in Illinois is a Class 4 felony punishable by 1 to 3 years in the state penitentiary and/or a fine up to $25,000.
A Felony Conviction Can Destroy Your Life
When you have a felony conviction on your record, you find many avenues of opportunity suddenly closed to you. Even after you’re released from prison, you might face several years of supervised probation. And your applications for housing, loans, jobs, professional licenses, and even student loans could all be turned down cold. Don’t let a felony conviction close the doors on all your opportunities in life.
Your Rights and Your Opportunities after Your Arrest
Attorney Matthew Chivari understands that your arrest might simply be the result of a single mistake for which you shouldn’t face a ruined future and a lifetime of closed doors. His proven experience fighting car burglary charges could help you win your freedom. If you have prior offenses and dismissal or probation is not an option, depending upon the circumstances of your offense, Matthew Chivari could help secure a minimum sentence for you.
Free Legal Consultation to Discuss Your Case
Matthew Chivari’s experience and successful handling of cases similar to yours could be the key you need to beat the charges against you. Mr. Chivari offers a free and confidential case evaluation consultation to explore your available defenses and the legal options you have in fighting for your freedom. Don’t let the prosecution dictate your fate.
Contact criminal lawyer Matthew Chivari to take on your case and provide an aggressive, strategic defense to the charges against you.
