RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY

If you have been accused of burglary or residential burglary in the Chicago area, you could be facing extremely serious legal consequences, including jail time and significant fines. In addition, a residential burglary conviction on your record could have a negative impact on the rest of your life, making it difficult to get a job, rent an apartment, or get into an academic program, among other potential consequences.

Fortunately, there is help available. The DuPage, Kane, and Cook County burglary defense lawyers of Scott Kent will review the facts of your case for free and advise you about the options available to you. We are skilled defense lawyers committed to minimizing the consequences our clients face and will never pressure you to take a plea deal if you want to take your case to trial. As former prosecutors, we know how to mount an aggressive defense and have an impressive track record of success in the courtroom. To schedule a free case evaluation with a lawyer, call our office today at (630) 474-8000.

Residential burglary is the entering of a building with the intentions of committing a crime. This can occur in a dwelling, structure, or conveyance. Whether charged with burglarizing a residence, a commercial building, or a car, our legal team is prepared to fight.

Under Illinois law, burglary is a Class 2 felony, with a penalty of three to seven years in jail. Residential burglary is more serious than regular burglary and is a Class 1 felony, carrying a penalty that includes a sentence of four to 15 years in prison, usually without the possibility of probation. Additionally, possession of residential burglary tools is a Class 4 felony, punishable by one to three years in jail, with probation available as an alternative.

If you are facing a burglary charge, it is important to understand that there are penalties that can extend far beyond those imposed by the court. These collateral consequences can negatively affect your life more than any court-imposed sentence. Some serious collateral consequences associated with a burglary conviction can include:

Under Illinois employment law, employers are allowed to fire you for any reason, provided it is not prohibited by law (e.g., race or gender). A burglary conviction could result in job loss and make it difficult to get a job in most industries due to background checks.

A residential burglary conviction will almost certainly violate any academic institution’s code of conduct, leading to sanctions such as probation, suspension, loss of a scholarship or financial aid, or even expulsion. This can also affect your chances of admission to other institutions.

Landlords often conduct background checks on prospective tenants. A residential burglary conviction would be a significant red flag for any landlord and could lead to refusal to rent to you.

A burglary often involves other crimes, so it is likely that you can face multiple charges. It is imperative that you retain aggressive legal services immediately to ensure the best defense is crafted on your behalf. When you hire Scott Kent, L.L.C., you can have peace of mind knowing that you are in good hands.

Our goals are always to:

• Win your case at trial
• Get your charges dismissed or reduced
• Keep the charges off your permanent record
• Keep you out of jail
• Protect your reputation
• Use all possible resources to craft the strongest defense

With a combined total of 42 years of criminal law experience behind us, we are the knowledgeable and competent advocates you want in your corner. We have proudly handled over 10,000 criminal cases and are prepared to get to work on your case today!

For more information about our firm or the crime of burglary, do not hesitate to contact Scott Kent Law, L.L.C., for a free consultation today at (630) 474-8000!