{"id":373143,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:11","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/illinois-law\/illinois-robbery-laws.html"},"modified":"2018-03-21T10:20:02","modified_gmt":"2018-03-21T15:20:02","slug":"illinois-robbery-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/illinois-law\/illinois-robbery-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Illinois Robbery Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Illinois Robbery Laws<\/h1>\n
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Robbery and armed robbery are violations of Illinois state law. To convict a defendant of robbery<\/a>, prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant took property (anything but a motor vehicle, which we will discuss separately) from another person by using force or by threatening to use imminent force.<\/p>\n

Overview of Illinois Robbery Laws<\/h2>\n

The following chart includes a basic overview of Illinois robbery laws:<\/p>\n\n
Statute<\/b><\/td>\n

Robbery<\/a> – 720 ILCS 5\/18-1 — 18-5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Aggravated Robberies<\/b><\/td>\n

Illinois robbery laws may escalate the charge to that of armed robbery<\/a> if while committing a robbery, the defendant does any one of the following:<\/p>\n

Defenses<\/b><\/td>\n
Penalties and Sentences<\/b><\/td>\n

All classes of robberies are generally felony crimes in Illinois. Specifically, the crime of plain robbery is a Class 2 felony, which carries a sentence of three to seven years in prison and a maximum fine of $25,000. There is a mandatory parole period upon release from prison of two years. In the event that the robbery was conducted in a school, day care center of any kind, child care facility of any kind, or place of worship, it will be a Class 1 felony. This carries a sentence of four to fifteen years in prison and a maximum fine of $25,000. This also has a mandatory parole period upon release of two years.<\/p>\n

Armed robbery is what is considered a Class X felony. Depending on the nature of the armed robbery, the sentence can be anywhere between six years in prison to 55 years to life in prison. The factor determining how heavy the sentence will be is the extent of force or threat of force used and\/or if the weapon was merely carried, or discharged or discharged and an injury or death occurred. There may also be a maximum fine of $25,000 and upon release the mandatory parole period is three years.<\/p>\n

Vehicular hijacking and aggravated robbery are both Class 1 felonies (four to fifteen years in prison, maximum fine of $25,000). If the crime was aggravated vehicular hijacking, it will be considered a Class X felony. The sentence will range anywhere between six years in prison to 55 years to life in prison. The factor determining how heavy the sentence will be is the extent of force or threat of force used and\/or if the weapon was merely carried, or discharged or discharged and an injury or death occurred. There may also be a maximum fine of $25,000 and upon release the mandatory parole period is three years.<\/p>\n

See Robbery Penalties and Sentencing<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n

Note:<\/b> State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\n

Related Resources<\/h2>\n