Joliet Property Damage and Trespass Lawyer

Criminal Property Damage Defense Attorney Located in Joliet, IL

If you damage property that is not your own, you could be charged with criminal property damage. Under Illinois law, you can be arrested for criminal property damage if you do any of the following:

• Knowingly damage another person's property (via fire, explosion, or any other means)
• Knowingly injure someone else's pet
• Damage your own property for purposes of collecting insurance money

Although these property damage guidelines may seem straightforward, Illinois' criminal law regarding property damage is relatively complex. If you've been arrested for property damage in Illinois, it's essential that you contact an experienced Joliet property damage defense lawyer who can assess your case and prepare a strong defense.

Penalties for Property Damage Convictions in Illinois

If you end up being convicted of property damage in Illinois, your sentence could include fines, probation, community service, or even jail time. In general, for property damage or criminal defacement offenses in Illinois, the specific charge – and subsequent penalty – is largely based on the value of the damage that was incurred. For example, property damage valued at less than $500 is a Class A misdemeanor in Illinois. On the other end of the spectrum, damage equaling $100,000 or more is a Class 2 Felony, and a conviction would likely result in a significant time behind bars.

Joliet, Illinois Criminal Trespass Defense

If you trespass on property that you did not have permission to be in, you could be charged with criminal trespass. Under Illinois law, you could be arrested for criminal trespass if you do any of the following:

• Knowingly and without lawful authority enter or remain within or on a building
• Enter upon the land of another after receiving prior notice your entry is forbidden
• Knowingly and without authority enter any part of a vehicle, watercraft, or snowmobile

Although trespass laws may appear to be clear-cut, if you have been charged with criminal trespass, it's important to contact a knowledgeable Joliet trespass to property defense lawyer who can evaluate your case and challenge the state's attorney.

Will County Property Crime Lawyer

At the Law Office of Eric J. Blatti, P.C., we defend Illinois residents who are facing all types of trespass and property damage charges, including misdemeanor property damage and felony property damage offenses. If you've been charged with criminal trespass, criminal defacement of property, criminal damage to property, or any other property-related crime, contact Will County property damage defense attorney Eric J. Blatti for a free, no-obligation consultation.