Burglary charges in Illinois can carry severe consequences, transforming a momentary lapse in judgment into a life-altering felony conviction. As a Joliet criminal defense attorney with over 20 years of experience, including my time as a former Will County prosecutor, I’ve successfully defended clients against burglary allegations, often reducing charges or securing dismissals. At the Law Office of Jack L. Zaremba, we specialize in handling burglary cases that frequently intersect with theft, drug offenses, or juvenile matters in Will County. In this blog post, we’ll explore what constitutes burglary under Illinois law, potential penalties, common scenarios, and effective defense strategies for 2025. For related topics, see our guides on felony crimes in Joliet and expungement of criminal records .
What Constitutes Burglary in Illinois?
Under 720 ILCS 5/19-1, burglary occurs when someone knowingly enters or remains in a building, vehicle, or structure without authority, with intent to commit theft or another felony. Residential burglary (entering a dwelling) is a Class 1 felony, while standard burglary is Class 2. In Will County, these charges often arise from break-ins at homes, cars, or businesses in areas like Joliet, where economic pressures or substance issues may play a role. For the full statute, refer to the Illinois Compiled Statutes on Burglary .