Prior to 2011, Retail Theft could be enhanced to a felony if the retail value of the merchandise stolen exceeded $150.00. However, beginning January 1, 2011, the threshold value was changed to $300.00.

Additionally, 720 ILCS 5/16A-11 is a new section stating that venue can be any jurisdiction where a theft occurred in a continuing course of conduct. This means a person can be prosecuted in any jurisdiction in which one or more of the thefts occurred when there is a continuing course of conduct between multiple jurisdictions.

The Theft statute was also amended effective January 1, 2011. 720 ILCS 5/16-1 was amended to reflect an increased threshold value for a felony enhancement to $500.00. Previously, Theft was a Class A misdemeanor up to $300.00, and over that amount it could be enhanced and charged as a felony. The new law only allows felony enhancement for theft over $500.00.

Of course, if you or anyone you know is charged with a criminal offense, call Harter & Schottland.

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