The Penalties for Armed Robbery in Illinois

Armed robbery is a very serious offense in Illinois which has some of the toughest anti-gun laws in the nation.

Depending on the circumstances of the offense, a convicted robber can face 3 to 7 years or up to 30 years in jail for armed robbery.

Armed robbery is defined as an offense in which the perpetrator is armed with or carrying a dangerous weapon.

A dangerous weapon is usually a firearm. In Illinois, you must have a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card (FOID) card to carry a gun. Knives, razors, metal knuckles and a broken bottle are also defined as dangerous weapons under the Illinois criminal code.

Armed robbery is a Class X felony. Depending on the nature of the armed robbery, the sentence ranges from between six years in prison to 55 years to life in prison.

The main factor that determines how heavy the sentence will be is the extent of force or threat of force used and/or if the weapon was just carried, or used and if an injury or death occurred. The offense of armed robbery carries a maximum fine of $25,00. On release, the mandatory parole period is three years.

Armed Robbery is a Common Offense in Chicago

Despite the severe sentences for armed robbery in Chicago, these offenses make headlines on a very regular basis.

A report in Oak Park Patch noted how five teens from Chicago were charged with two separate robberies in Oak Park in early June.

A 15-year-old and 16-year-old were arrested and charged with robbery and attempted robbery. One of the juveniles was accused of hitting the victim in the face while demanding his phone. A second victim reportedly ended up on the ground as the other suspect demanded his phone. Both suspects were located shortly after fleeing the scene.

Police reported a second incident in North Maple. Three juveniles approached a victim and one teen pulled out a semi-automatic weapon when demanding money and an iPhone.

The Chicago Tribune reported the three teens were charged with armed robbery and detained at the juvenile detention center.

Particular businesses are regular targets of robberies. We recently noted how pharmacy robberies are fueling America’s opioid crisis.

If you have been charged with armed robbery, you should speak to a Chicago criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Call the Abdallah Law Firm at (312) 229-0008.