What Are the Penalties for Buying Stolen Property in Illinois?

 Posted on November 19, 2024 in Retail Theft

It is common knowledge that someone who steals property has committed theft. However, someone who buys or receives that stolen item can also be charged with a criminal offense. Purchasing or receiving stolen property is a serious crime that carries heavy penalties in Illinois, including fines and prison time. In today’s internet age, buying stolen goods is a much more frequent occurrence as people shop in online marketplaces. If you are facing charges of buying stolen property, contact an Illinois criminal defense lawyer right away to begin building your case.

What Is the Law in Illinois About Receiving Stolen Property?

Under Illinois statute 720 ILCS 5/16-1, theft not only means stealing property but also includes possession of stolen goods. If you receive or buy a stolen item, you can be charged with theft. However, one of the key criteria is that you must know or have reason to know the item was stolen. This can make certain cases of theft complex, especially with today’s online marketplaces. 

A person who buys an item on Craigslist, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace, for example, may be required to pay attention to signs that the seller is not the legal owner. The same goes for purchases at pawn shops and flea markets, where sometimes it is impossible to tell whether the items are being sold by their rightful owner. It is always a good idea to ask for proof of ownership if possible.

What Are the Penalties for Buying or Receiving Stolen Property?

The penalties for possession of stolen goods are generally the same as for stealing them, which vary depending on certain factors:

• If the value of the goods is under $500, it is a Class A misdemeanor which carries up to 364 days in jail and fines up to $2,500.

• If the stolen item is government property or was stolen from a school or place of worship, it is a Class 4 felony which carries one to three years in prison and fines up to $25,000.

• If the value of the stolen goods is between $500 and $10,000, it is a Class 3 felony which is punishable by two to five years in prison and fines up to $25,000.

• If the value of the goods is between $10,000 and $100,000, it is a Class 2 felony which carries three to seven years in prison and fines up to $25,000.

• If the value of the goods is between $100,000 to $500,000, it is a Class 1 felony which carries between four to 15 years in prison and fines up to $25,000.

• If the value of the goods is over $1,000,000, it is a Class X felony which carries six to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000.

An important note to remember is that if you purchase stolen property, you are not necessarily entitled to a refund if law enforcement seizes the item from you. This means you may lose that money while also facing fines and prison time.

Contact a DuPage County, IL Theft Defense Attorney

Buying an item or accepting a gift that turns out to have been stolen can lead to serious charges of theft. Make sure you are protected by contacting Stephen A. Brundage. Attorney Brundage has practiced law for over 30 years and has a strong law enforcement background that often gives clients an edge against the prosecution. Schedule a free consultation with a Wheaton, IL criminal defense lawyer today by calling 630-260-9647 now.