by Attorney Eric D. PuryearRobbery charges in Illinois are defined in a few different ways, which the crimes of Robbery, Aggravated Robbery, and Armed Robbery. All three types of robber in Illinois are felonies.
Illinois defines the crime of Robbery in 720 ILCS 5/18-1 (a) as the crime a person commits when he or she knowingly takes property, except a motor vehicle covered by Section 18-3 or 18-4, from the person or presence of another by the use of force or by threatening the imminent use of force. Robbery is a Class 2 felony under most circumstances, although when the person who is robbed is disabled, elderly, in a school, in a daycare, in a church (or in certain other circumstances), at which point the robbery charge becomes a Class 1 felony.
Under Illinois law, Aggravated Robbery is defined by 720 ILCS 5/18-1 (b) as the crime a person commits when he or she commits a robbery while indicating verbally or by his or her actions to the victim that he or she is presently armed with a firearm or other dangerous weapon, including a knife, club, ax, or bludgeon. This offense shall be applicable even though it is later determined that he or she had no firearm or other dangerous weapon, including a knife, club, ax, or bludgeon, in his or her possession when he or she committed the robbery; or when he or she knowingly takes property from the person or presence of another by delivering (by injection, inhalation, ingestion, transfer of possession, or any other means) to the victim without his or her consent, or by threat or deception, and for other than medical purposes, any controlled substance. Aggravated robbery in Illinois is a Class 1 felony.
The crime of Armed Robbery in Illinois is defined by 720 ILCS 5/18-2 as the crime a person commits when he or she commits a robbery and (1) he or she carries on or about his or her person or is otherwise armed with a dangerous weapon other than a firearm; or (2) he or she carries on or about his or her person or is otherwise armed with a firearm; or (3) he or she, during the commission of the offense, personally discharges a firearm; or (4) he or she, during the commission of the offense, personally discharges a firearm that proximately causes great bodily harm, permanent disability, permanent disfigurement, or death to another person. Armed robbery in violation of subsection (a)(1) is a Class X felony. A violation of subsection (a)(2) is a Class X felony for which 15 years shall be added to the term of imprisonment imposed by the court. A violation of subsection (a)(3) is a Class X felony for which 20 years shall be added to the term of imprisonment imposed by the court. A violation of subsection (a)(4) is a Class X felony for which 25 years or up to a term of natural life shall be added to the term of imprisonment imposed by the court.
Robbery, aggravated robbery, and armed robbery are some of the most serious charges that can be filed against a person in Illinois. A person who is accused of a form of robbery in the state of Illinois should exercise their right to remain silent and seek an attorney at once, as it is vital to properly handle the case.