Burglary vs. Robbery vs. Theft in Illinois

 Posted on February 19, 2026 in Burglary

If you or someone you love has been charged with a property crime in 2026, you may be hearing words like burglary, robbery, and theft used almost interchangeably. They are not the same thing. 

In Illinois, these are three separate crimes with very different definitions and very different consequences. A Chicago criminal defense lawyer can review your case for free and help you understand what you are actually facing.

What Is the Difference Between Burglary, Robbery, and Theft in Illinois?

Most people assume all three words loosely mean "stealing something." But Illinois law treats them as very different offenses. It all depends on how the crime happened, where it happened, and whether another person was involved.

What Is Theft in Illinois?

Theft is the broadest of these three crimes. Under 720 ILCS 5/16-1, theft means knowingly taking someone else's property without permission and intending to keep it from them permanently. This covers shoplifting, taking money, stealing a car and many other situations. No physical confrontation is required and no building needs to be entered. It is simply taking what does not belong to you.

The severity of a theft charge in Illinois depends heavily on the value of what was taken:

• Theft of property valued under $500 is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail
• Theft between $500 and $10,000 is a Class 3 felony, carrying two to five years in prison
• Theft between $10,000 and $100,000 is a Class 2 felony, with three to seven years in prison
• Theft exceeding $100,000 is a Class 1 felony, punishable by four to fifteen years in prison

What Is Burglary in Illinois?

Burglary does not require that anything actually be stolen. Under 720 ILCS 5/19-1, a person commits burglary when they knowingly enter a building or vehicle without permission and with the intent to commit a felony or theft. The crime they intended to commit does not even have to happen. The unlawful entry combined with criminal intent is enough.

Burglary ranges from a Class 3 to a Class 1 felony in Illinois. Residential burglary is treated especially seriously because it involves the violation of a space where people live and feel safe.

What Is Robbery in Illinois?

Robbery is what most people picture when they think of a street crime. Under 720 ILCS 5/18-1, robbery means taking property from another person by using force or threatening force. The key element that separates robbery from theft is the direct confrontation with a victim. Someone has to be present and threatened or harmed.

Robbery is a Class 2 felony in Illinois. But the charges escalate quickly depending on the circumstances. Armed robbery under 720 ILCS 5/18-2, where a dangerous weapon is used or threatened, is a Class X felony. Class X is the most serious felony category in Illinois short of murder and carries a mandatory minimum of six years in prison with no possibility of probation.

Can You Beat Charges of Theft, Robbery, or Burglary? 

Yes, and this is where having a skilled criminal defense attorney becomes critical. For example, Illinois property crime cases like burglary often depend on questions of intent. Prosecutors have to prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. That is a high bar, and there are often meaningful weaknesses in the state's case.

Even for the most serious crimes, like armed robbery, a good defense attorney will look at every possible defense, including whether your rights were violated by police. Whether your case is in Rolling Meadows at the Cook County Circuit Court or anywhere in Chicago, Hartsfield Law knows these courts and how local prosecutors approach these charges. 

Call a Chicago, IL Criminal Defense Attorney Today

A felony conviction in Illinois can mean prison time, a permanent record and consequences that follow you for years. Hartsfield Law offers free consultations and is ready to get to work on your case right away. Call Hartsfield Law at 312-345-1700 to speak with a Rolling Meadows criminal defense lawyer who will fight hard for the best possible outcome.