Home invasion is one of the most serious criminal charges in Illinois, carrying severe penalties, including mandatory prison sentences. If you have been charged with home invasion, you need to understand what you are up against and get the help of an aggressive Illinois criminal defense attorney who can help you fight the charges.
What Exactly is Home Invasion in Illinois?
According to Illinois law, home invasion is when someone unlawfully enters or remains in another person’s home while knowing, or having reason to know, that someone is there. To be considered a home invasion, the suspect must do certain things during the invasion, such as using or threatening force, causing injury, or being armed with a dangerous weapon.
Home invasion is not the same as burglary. While burglary involves entering a property with the intent to commit theft or another felony, home invasion focuses on actions that directly endanger the safety of people inside the home. That is why home invasion is classified as a violent crime and carries harsher penalties than burglary.