In Illinois, the edge that distinguishes theft as a felony versus a misdemeanor hinges on the worth of the stolen property. Theft of property valued at $1,000 or extra is mostly labeled as a felony offense. Stealing a bicycle value $1,200, as an example, would represent felony theft. Conversely, theft of property valued underneath $1,000 is often thought of a misdemeanor, although sure circumstances, such because the theft of a firearm or automobile, no matter worth, can elevate the cost to a felony.
This distinction is essential for a number of causes. Felony convictions carry considerably harsher penalties than misdemeanors, together with substantial jail sentences and lasting impacts on an individual’s document, impacting future employment and housing alternatives. The financial threshold serves to distinguish the severity of the crime, reflecting the better hurt inflicted upon victims in circumstances involving higher-value losses. This authorized framework additionally performs a significant function in deterring large-scale theft and sustaining financial stability throughout the state. Traditionally, this threshold has been adjusted to replicate financial modifications and evolving societal values.
