Arrested for Diesel Theft Charges in Illinois

 Posted on October 07, 2024 in Criminal Defense

With gas prices running so high, the need to fill your tank can be a serious drawback of owning a car. But like anything else, it is illegal to take gas without paying for it. You might be surprised to learn that there is an entire area of the law dedicated to what is known as diesel theft.

Criminal charges for stealing gas in Illinois carry significant consequences that can affect you for years to come. If you are accused of diesel theft, a qualified Naperville, IL criminal defense attorney can review your options and help you navigate the next steps.

What Are the Charges for Diesel Theft?

The specific charges and penalties you can face for diesel theft depend on the circumstances of the alleged crime. However, intent is an important component in all convictions. Even though you can be charged with diesel theft whether you stole the fuel outright or bought stolen fuel from someone else, the prosecution needs to demonstrate that your actions were done knowingly with the intent of taking something illegally from its rightful owner.

On the other hand, if a gas station attendant told you to take it without paying, or you were led to believe that you were somehow the owner of the fuel, a theft conviction becomes more complicated.

Whether you are charged with a felony or misdemeanor depends on the value of what was allegedly stolen, as follows:

• If you are accused of stealing fuel worth less than $150, you can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, facing up to one year in prison sentence and a fine up to $2,500.

• If you had a prior conviction for retail theft, you could be charged with a Class 4 felony for diesel theft, facing one to three years in prison.

• If you are accused of stealing fuel worth over $150, you can be charged with a Class 3 felony, facing two to five years in jail.

Even the least severe of the above charges will go on your criminal records, which means you could be punished for it by potential landlords, employers, and school administrators well into the future. In addition to the charges, your driver’s license can be suspended for up to six months for a first offense, and up to a year if you have prior convictions.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Naperville, IL Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are facing charges of diesel theft, you need a reliable Naperville, IL criminal defense attorney who can review your case and build an aggressive defense. At Law Office of Philip R. Nathe, we understand that people can be in the wrong place at the wrong time and we know the severe consequences a criminal record can have for your future. Call us at 630-416-7600 so we can do what we do best and fight aggressively to protect your rights.