Several defenses are available against theft charges in Illinois. This includes challenging whether you had permission to take the property. You can also show you had no intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. Questioning the reliability of the evidence used against you is another option.
If you’re dealing with this situation in 2026, our Kane County criminal defense lawyer can help you build a strong defense.
What Does the State Have to Prove for a Theft Conviction in Illinois?
Under 720 ILCS 5/16-1, theft can be committed in several ways, including knowingly obtaining or exerting unauthorized control over someone else’s property. The state also has to show one of the following:
- That you meant to permanently take the property