Law Offices of Andrew Weisberg

Aggravated Battery

If you or a loved one have been charged with aggravated battery in the Chicago area, you need to retain the very best Chicago aggravated battery attorney that you can find. Andrew Weisberg is a former felony prosecutor that understands aggravated battery cases from both sides of the law. Aggravated battery is a very serious charge that indicates that you are suspected of causing serious injury to another person. The charge is a felony, and a conviction carries with it severe penalties that can vary depending upon the age and condition of the person injured and the manner in which the injury came about. The most common aggravated battery carries the possibility of 2-5 years in prison. When the crime is against a police officer the range is 3-7 years behind bars. In certain cases the penalty can be as high as 6-30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. If convicted, you could face an extended time in prison, extensive fines up to $25,000, and other penalties that will have a devastating effect on the rest of your life. When you retain Andrew M. Weisberg as your criminal attorney in Chicago, you are getting the help of a former felony level prosecutor who is committed to defending and upholding your rights throughout your case. Mr. Weisberg will defend you aggressively and with compassion as he strives to obtain the best result possible for your case.

Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse

Though most people are unfamiliar with the charge of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, most have heard the phrase “statutory rape” when referring to having a sexual relationship with someone who is underage. In Illinois, the crime of aggravated criminal sexual abuse most often refers to a case in which a person 17 years or older has sexual contact with a child 13-16 years old and the two individuals are 5 or more years apart in age. This sex crimes is a Class 2 felony which is punishable by from 3-7 years in prison and a fine up to $25,000. Additionally, a person convicted of aggravated criminal sexual abuse will also have to register as a sex offender for life. An experienced sex crimes defense lawyer like Andrew Weisberg gives you the best chance to avoid these harsh penalties. If you find yourself facing a charge of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, you will not want to risk the crushing punishment that can be assessed upon a conviction. To avoid the serious consequences of a conviction and the stigma of being identified as a sex offender, you will want to consult with Chicago criminal lawyer Andrew M. Weisberg as soon as possible. Together, the two of you can begin to build a strong defense with regard to your case. Andrew Weisberg is a former felony prosecutor and understands sex cases from both sides. This will give you a tremendous advantage when fighting the case in court. Contact Mr. Weisberg now to discuss your case in detail. He will explain the law, the consequences upon conviction and the best way to defend your case.

Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault

Assault

If you have been charged with assault in Chicago, you may not have thought you did anything illegal. Assault is different than battery in that an assault charge does not require that any contact be made between the suspect and the alleged victim. All that is required is that the defendant place the victim in reasonable apprehension of an imminent battery. An example would be a case where a suspect picks up a baseball bat and swings it at the victim. Even if the suspect makes no contact with the victim the crime of assault has been committed because the victim will have been placed in fear of receiving a battery. In some cases assault can be charged as a misdemeanor punishable by 30 days in jail and a $1,500 fine . In other cases assault can be charged as a felony offense where the suspects faces a possible prison sentence and a fine of up to $25,000. It is absolutely imperative to have an experienced and knowledgeable criminal attorney in Chicago at your side when facing an assault charge. As your assault defense attorney, Andrew M. Weisberg has the expertise and the ability to investigate your case and provide you with the best defense available, often by calling into question whether it was reasonable for the alleged victim to be apprehensive at all. Andrew Weisberg is a former criminal prosecutor who uses that experience to successfully defend those charged with assault or other charges. Call Mr. Weisberg now for a free case review, including an explanation of the relevant law and the best path forward.

Battery

When you are charged with battery in the state of Illinois, it means that you made physical contact with another that either injured them or was meant to insult or provoke them. In other words, it is not necessary that you actually caused physical harm to the other person, so shoving or even spitting upon another could, in some cases, constitute battery because it is physical contact, and it could be argued that it was of an insulting or provoking nature. Battery in Illinois carries up to 364 days in jail and a fine up to $2,500. Obviously, the law is open to a fair amount of interpretation, which is why it is so important to have an experienced and knowledgeable Chicago criminal attorney like Andrew M. Weisberg review your case if you have been charged with any form of battery. Mr. Weisberg will be able to look at the specifics of your case and offer you legal counsel as to how you should proceed in order to have the opportunity to obtain the best possible outcome to your case. Mr. Weisberg calls on his experience as a top criminal defense lawyer as well as years as a felony prosecutor in both Cook County and Will County. Call Mr. Weisberg now to receive a free and confidential review of your case. He will explain the charges against you and what you face going forward.

Burglary

If you have been arrested in the Chicago area and charged with burglary, you are facing a felony charge and could be sent to prison if convicted. Burglary in Illinois is generally a Class 2 Felony, punishable from 3-7 years in prison and a fine up to $25,000. If the alleged burglary was of a school, church, or another place of worship, that sentence could be even longer. The most serious type of burglary is called residential burglary, which carries a prison sentence of from 4-15 years. In addition, a conviction for burglary can appear on your record and forever label you as a criminal, possibly affecting your ability to get a job, apply for loans, or even obtain housing. Because of the severity of the consequences involved with a burglary conviction, you will want every possibility of avoiding it, with the help of a burglary attorney in Chicago like Andrew M Weisberg. Mr. Weisberg has a track record of success in handling burglary cases just like yours, and he is available to provide you with the representation that you will need. Attorney Weisberg is a former felony prosecutor in Cook County and Will County. He therefore knows burglary law from both sides. He understands the ways in which prosecutors fight and he will be there to defend you. Call now for an immediate and confidential case review.

Criminal Damage to Property

If you are facing a charge of criminal damage to property following an arrest in the Chicago area, that charge can actually mean a variety of things because there are various ways in which to damage properties and a seemingly endless list of properties that could have been damaged. Regardless, however, of the specifics surrounding the allegations that have been made against you, you will want to retain the services of a criminal attorney in Chicago such as Andrew M. Weisberg. Mr. Weisberg can thoroughly analyze the specifics of your particular case, offer you the legal counsel you need to understand your options, and provide you with the aggressive representation you need.

Criminal Sexual Abuse

You may have thought that since the relationship was consensual, there was no way you could ever be labeled as a sexual predator, sex offender, or sexual abuser. However, now you are facing charges of criminal sexual abuse. If convicted, not only could you face jail time, you will have to register as a sex offender for 10 years – but, it is a label that could stay with you for the rest of your life. Now is definitely not the time to assume that if you just explain things, the whole situation will work itself out. The consequences of a conviction are far too serious to leave your future to chance. You need the aggressive and expert defense offered by Chicago criminal attorney Andrew M. Weisberg.

Criminal Sexual Assault

If you are facing a charge of criminal sexual assault, that’s a legal way of saying that you have been accused of rape. As you might well have guessed, the penalties associated with a conviction are severe because if convicted of criminal sexual assault, you are not normally even eligible for probation. Rather, you stand to spend up to 15 years in prison. In addition, you will forever carry the stigma of being a sexual offender: a rapist. Because the consequences of such a conviction are so severe and will negatively impact the rest of your life, you need the services of a criminal attorney in Chicago like Andrew M. Weisberg. Mr. Weisberg brings an aggressive approach to criminal sexual assault cases that you are going to need if you want the opportunity of obtaining the best outcome to your case possible.

Criminal Trespass

A charge of criminal trespass in the state of Illinois is generally considered a misdemeanor, with the class of misdemeanor being determined by where the alleged trespassing was supposed to have occurred. However, simply because trespassing is a misdemeanor does not mean that it is a charge to be taken lightly. A criminal conviction on a misdemeanor is still, in fact, a criminal conviction, and that means that it can remain on your record, cost you in fines and/or community service hours, and serve as a source of embarrassment for you and those close to you. That is why if you have been charged with criminal trespass, you should retain the services of Andrew M. Weisberg, criminal defense attorney in Chicago.

Disorderly Conduct

If you have been charged with disorderly conduct in Chicago, the implication is more than a suggestion that you got a little bit rowdy or that a situation in which you were involved got out of hand. Rather, a disorderly conduct charge, in some cases, can carry a fine of up to $10,000, and alleges that you have unreasonably caused a disturbance and breached the public peace. The statutes governing disorderly conduct get very specific regarding the ways in which such a disturbance may have occurred. For example, setting off a false fire alarm, transmitting a threat to a school, or being a “peeping Tom,” just to name a few. Because of the multiplicity of reasons as to why someone might be charged with disorderly conduct, as well as the extreme variance in penalties depending upon which reason is alleged to have resulted in a breach of the public peace, it is important to have an experienced disorderly conduct attorney in Chicago such as Andrew M. Weisberg who can decipher all of the statutes, review the specifics of your case, and develop a viable defense in light of all the circumstances.

Domestic Battery

A domestic battery charge means that you are accused of causing bodily harm to a family or household member or that you made physical contact with that person that was of an insulting or provoking nature. If this is a first time domestic violence issue for you, it is classified as a Class A misdemeanor. However, if you have a prior conviction for domestic abuse, you are facing a Class 4 felony. Regardless of the degree of the charge, however, the penalties can negatively affect your life for years to come. Whether it is a prison sentence, hefty fines, restraining orders, or having a criminal record, these are consequences to be avoided when at all possible. That is why it is important to consult with a criminal attorney in Chicago such as Andrew M. Weisberg as soon as possible following your arrest for domestic battery. Mr. Weisberg has the knowledge of domestic battery cases that you need as you attempt to mount a defense against these charges and obtain the best outcome possible in your case.

Domestic Violence

Because of the increase in domestic violence awareness programs, the very fact that you have been charged with a domestic violence related crime can mean that you have already been stigmatized (or, even had a restraining order brought against you). However, “domestic violence” is one of those amorphous terms that can apply to a broad variety of crimes. Regardless of the nature of the actual charge against you, you will want to have an experienced Chicago domestic violence lawyer defending you so that you do not suffer the deleterious effects that a conviction on such charges can bring.

Drug Crimes

If you have been arrested in Chicago on drug charges, there is no need to tell you that Chicago politicians, law enforcement authorities, prosecutors, and judges take the nation’s current war on drugs very seriously and will seek a conviction in order to make an example out of anyone they perceive as an offender. That is why, even if you were picked up for a minor possession of cannabis charge, you do not want to risk ending up in jail. You need an experienced and aggressive Chicago criminal attorney who will vigorously defend your rights in and out of the courtroom. Thankfully, you have such a criminal lawyer in Chicago in Andrew M Weisberg.

Drug Possession

In legal parlance, when you are facing any kind of charges involving a “controlled substance,” it means that you are facing a drug charge, usually one involving possession. Possession of a controlled substance is not a charge to be taken lightly. Depending upon the drug in question and how much of it you are alleged to have been found with, you could be looking at serious prison time. If the arresting officers also believed that you intended to sell the controlled substance involved, the penalty for a conviction is even more severe. All of this is to say that when you are facing any charges related to controlled substances, you will want to retain the services of Chicago drug lawyer Andrew M. Weisberg.

DUI

Thousands of individuals are arrested in the Chicago area each year for DUI offenses (driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs). Having a skilled and aggressive DUI defense attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of a DUI arrest. If you’ve been arrested in or near Chicago for a DUI offense, protect your legal rights by retaining an experienced DUI lawyer. The law governing DUI is found at 625 ILCS 5/11-501. The DUI law is constantly changing and often times becoming more harsh on the suspect. When people think about DUI cases they generally think about driving while drunk. Although this is the most common reason for a DUI arrest, there are many other basis for such an arrest. It is also illegal for example to drive under the influence of illegal drugs such as cannabis, heroin or cocaine. It is critical to hire an attorney with knowledge of the relevant law so that a proper defense can immediately be put in place. Illinois law has harsh penalties for drunk drivers and those under the influence of narcotics. A DUI arrest and conviction may result in the automatic suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, and depending on your driving history and any criminal history, you could be facing forfeiture of your vehicle and even jail or prison time. A Chicago DUI defense attorney who is familiar with the local criminal justice system will work to minimize the negative consequences of your DUI experience.

Federal Crimes

When facing federal criminal charges, it’s vital that you have an aggressive, professional criminal defense attorney on your side – as the outcome of your case can have irreversible, life-long consequences. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or felony charge, having an experienced criminal defense lawyer representing you, should you be charged with crimes in Chicago, can: - Make a significant difference in the outcome of your case - Help get the charges against you reduced, if not dropped altogether - Get you through the legal process efficiently so you can move on with your life

Felonies

Fraud

Fraud is a type of white-collar crime that is broadly defined as intentionally deceiving a person or group of people for personal gain or in an effort to injure another party. Because there are so many different types of fraud charges and offenses, convictions for fraud charges will vary greatly and will depend on the facts of the case, the value of the property taken (or amount of injury caused) and an individual’s criminal history. Regardless of the exact type of fraud charge filed, however, these charges are serious, and convictions can result in sentences, including life in prison, jail time and permanent marks on the individual’s criminal record.

Misdemeanors

A misdemeanor is a criminal offense or charge that is punishable by a maximum sentence of 364 days jail time. The maximum fine for a misdemeanor in Illinois is $2,500.00 plus mandatory court costs. In Illinois, there are three classifications of misdemeanor offenses or charges. All misdemeanor charges are serious in that they carry the possibility of serving time in the Cook County Department of Corrections or other jail. Misdemeanor cases differ from felony offenses in that with a misdemeanor, the person cannot be sent to the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Murder

Each year, hundreds of individuals are charged with and convicted of the offense of murder in Chicago. Murder is governed by 720 ILCS 5/9-1 as part of the Illinois Compiled Statutes. Murder charges are extremely serious, and murder convictions can carry devastating, lifelong consequences, including heavy fines, jail time and/or death. Govern Pat Quin did sign a law repealing the death penalty in Illinois in March, 2009. That being said, the death penalty and the criminal justice system is constantly under review and it is never known whether the death penalty will some day be reinstated.

Marijuana Possession

Although some states have recently approved the recreational use of cannabis or marijuana, the state of Illinois is most decidedly not one of them. If you are arrested for possession of cannabis, you will face serious consequences if convicted. In fact, depending upon the amount of marijuana in question, you could face an extended prison sentence. Marijuana possession or cannabis possession cases vary in severity depending upon the quantity or weight of the cannabis recovered by police. Less than 30 grams of cannabis possession is considered a misdemeanor offense. Over 30 grams will be charged as a felony and large quantities of marijuana can land a suspect in prison from 6-30 years. Attorney Andrew Weisberg is a former prosecutor from both Cook County and Will County. He gained tremendous experience prosecuting drug cases both large and small. Drug laws can be very complicated and a skilled drug defense lawyer can find loopholes or police error in an effort to get the case dismissed. That is why having an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in Chicago such as Andrew M. Weisberg is absolutely essential so that you can have the best opportunity to avoid a conviction and the consequences that would accompany it. Call now and he will review your case for free. He will discuss the case that lies ahead and the best way to win the case.

Cocaine Possession

Of all the drug laws pertaining to the possession of a controlled substance, among the most serious are those that have to do with the possession of cocaine. Because cocaine is considered a more dangerous drug than, for example, marijuana, the penalties for a conviction of possession or possession with the intent to sell cocaine, as opposed to possession of cannabis, are much more severe. If you are facing any sort of criminal charges involving cocaine, it is imperative that you contact a drug lawyer in Chicago, such as Andrew M. Weisberg, as soon as possible. The consequences of a conviction will do irreparable harm to your future and are decidedly not worth the risk. With Chicago defense lawyer Andrew M. Weisberg in your corner, you can be assured of an aggressive defense and an advocate who will work assiduously to protect your rights.

Heroin Possession

Authorities claim that no addiction is more difficult to break than an addiction to heroin. That is why, of all the penalties associated with possession of a controlled substance, the most severe center around heroin possession and the sale of heroin. A conviction on a heroin possession charge will bring with it consequences that will forever have negative effects on you and your life. Therefore, it is absolutely essential that you consult with a drug lawyer in Chicago, such as Andrew M. Weisberg, as soon as possible following an arrest for possession of heroin or possession of heroin with intent to sell. With Chicago defense lawyer Andrew M. Weisberg advocating on your behalf, you can be assured of the best possible outcome to your case.

Probation Violations

When a person is sentenced to a term of probation in Chicago or suburban Cook County, the judge will issue a probation order. This order is loaded with rules and obligations that the probationer must meet. Common requirements include reporting to a probation officer, paying fines, fees and costs, performing community service work, paying restitution, taking random drug tests, completing a GED, no contact with the victim in the case, avoiding being arrested for a new offense and many other requirements. Many individuals placed on probation feel that the requirements of probation are not very important and need not be taken seriously. It is this kind of thinking that leads to violations of probation and inevitable jail and prison sentences. When a person violates probation, the judge who ordered the probation can feel insulted and become angry. Most judges feel that when someone violates probation, they are “thumbing their nose at the system.” In reality, most probation violations are not done to disrespect the judge or the system. Most often it is because the individuals placed on probation struggle to balance the demands of work, family and probation. It is critical to remember that only a judge can put someone in jail. The same cannot be said for work or family. Therefore, when you or a loved one is on probation, that has to be priority number one.

Prostitution

They call it the oldest profession in the world, and whether or not that is true is hard to say, but what is certain is that it is illegal in the state of Illinois to engage in prostitution or to patronize a prostitute. In addition to the embarrassment that can accompany any Chicago prostitution-related charges, there are consequences related to a conviction that can range from probation to incarceration depending on various factors such as the criminal past and age of those involved, as well as the physical location where the alleged offense occurred. Regardless of whether you are facing probation or a jail sentence, you do not want a conviction for prostitution, or any kind of sexual offense for that matter, on your record. Chicago prostitution lawyer Andrew M. Weisberg will meet with you for a free initial consultation to review your case and provide you with the legal advice you need to understand how to best proceed regarding the charges against you.

Public Indency

If you have been arrested by the Chicago Police and charged with public indecency, you may be more embarrassed than concerned about the ramifications of a conviction on your charge. However, even though public indecency is considered a minor sex crime, it is still a crime, and it carries with it criminal penalties. In addition, there is always a stigma attached to any sexual offense no matter how seemingly insignificant. It is also important to note that multiple violations can result in a felony charge rather than the usual Class A misdemeanor, as will be the case if the alleged offense occurred near a school. The point is that a public indecency charge is not something to be taken lightly. It is a criminal charge, and it is not simply going to go away or have no impact if you are convicted. As you would with any criminal charge, you will want to retain the services of an experienced and knowledgeable Chicago sex crimes lawyer who will work to uphold and preserve your rights. Andrew M. Weisberg, a criminal attorney in Chicago, is committed to working vigilantly to provide you with the best defense possible in your public indecency case.

Residential Burglary

When you are charged with residential burglary, it indicates that you are suspected of purposefully entering another person’s dwelling with the intent of committing a felony or theft. The entry to the residence could have been achieved through alleged force or by deception. Residential burglary is considered a very serious crime, and as a felony, it carries with it serious penalties upon conviction. For all of these reasons, it is essential that you be represented by a knowledgeable and experienced Chicago residential burglary lawyer who has a successful track record of defending residential burglary cases. Chicago criminal defense attorney Andrew M. Weisberg is such an attorney, and he is firmly committed to providing you with the best criminal defense possible when it comes to your residential burglary case.

Resisting Arrest

If you are facing charges for resisting arrest, you are most likely facing other charges, as well; that is, the offense or offenses you were initially being arrested for when you allegedly resisted. Depending upon the circumstances and whether or not the arresting officer was injured while you were supposedly resisting arrest, you could be facing either a misdemeanor or a felony charge. However, even if you have been charged with a misdemeanor, you will spend at least two days in jail or at least 100 hours doing community service if you are convicted. If convicted of a felony charge, the consequences will be even more severe. In order to have the possibility of avoiding any of these penalties, you will want to have an experienced and knowledgeable criminal attorney in Chicago such as Andrew M. Weisberg at your side providing you with the legal counsel and representation that you need as you face resisting arrest charges.

Retail Theft | Shoplifting

Call it shoplifting or call it retail theft (720 ILCS 5/16-25), but one thing is certain: When you have been accused of taking items from a retail establishment without paying for them, you face jail time, fines, and a tarnished reputation if you are convicted. Even if the whole incident was a huge misunderstanding, you cannot trust that without the help of an experienced Chicago criminal lawyer, you will be able to convince the Chicago courts of that fact. The problem is that regardless of whether or not you are telling the truth, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and judges have all heard what you have to say before – and not always from the most honest or scrupulous of individuals. It is not worth risking a criminal conviction over a retail theft charge. That is why you need the services of Chicago criminal attorney Andrew M. Weisberg who will provide you with the aggressive and experienced defense that you need at this difficult time.

Robbery

As one of the most common property crimes committed in Chicago, robbery is a severe charge that can result in prison sentences upwards of 30 years, depending on the nature of the crime. In 2008, over 17,300 individuals were convicted of robbery in Chicago. This is nearly three times the rate of robbery convictions averaged throughout U.S.

Sex Crimes

There are two very real, very serious consequences that can result from a conviction for a sexually related crime. The first involves the penalty that such a crime can incur. Because of the serious nature of sex crimes, the penalties are severe and usually involve prolonged incarceration—in some cases, prison terms that will outlast a person’s lifetime. The second is the damage that a sex crimes conviction does to one’s reputation, including the requirement that you register as a sex offender. Obviously, these consequences will negatively impact you for the rest of your life. That is why, if you are facing such sex crime charges and the possibility of such penalties, you need an experienced Chicago sex crime attorney at your side, ready to defend you and your rights at every step of the way.

Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child

Of all the sex crime charges that a person could face, perhaps the one considered the most heinous by the general public, the judicial system, and even those serving time for other types of criminal convictions, is the predatory criminal sexual assault of a child. This serious charge alleges that the perpetrator engaged in sexual relations with a child under the age of 13, and a conviction will bring up to 30 years in prison, as well as a lifetime of registering as a convicted sex offender. In addition to the penalties assessed by the judicial system, a predatory criminal sexual assault of a child conviction also means lifelong stigmatization, humiliation, and isolation. Even if you know that the charges against you arose out of an extreme misunderstanding, a predatory criminal sexual assault of a child is not something to be taken lightly, nor is a conviction something that you want to risk because you did not procure the very best Chicago criminal lawyer that you could obtain.

Theft

In the state of Illinois, although there are various forms of theft (720 ILCS 5/16-1), ultimately all charges relating to theft involve the taking of another’s property through deception or force without the consent of the owner. Although the penalties for theft can vary depending upon the value of what was allegedly stolen, theft convictions can result in significant prison time, in some instances. The bottom line is that if you have been accused of any kind of theft whatsoever, you will want to retain a knowledgeable and experienced criminal attorney in Chicago who can help to provide you with the legal counsel and representation that you will need in order to mount a defense against these charges.

Traffic Violations

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, in 2008, there were over 408,000 traffic accidents on public roadways in the state of Illinois. While these crashes caused more than 94,000 injuries, they also resulted in 1,043 deaths. About 44 percent of driver fatalities were alcohol related accidents. In total, the economic cost of all traffic accidents in Illinois during 2008 has been estimated to be around $6.2 billion. Traffic accidents that are caused by a driver’s negligence or recklessness and/or that cause injuries or fatalities will likely result in criminal charges being filed against the driver who allegedly caused the accident. Should an individual be convicted of these charges, he or she could face prison sentences, hefty fines, loss of driver’s license and permanent marks on his or her criminal record. In certain traffic offenses, were multiple deaths occur, the driver can face up to 28 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. In some instances, Illinois drivers have actually been charged with and convicted of murder when their driving lead to the death of innocent people.

Weapons

n the state of Illinois, weapons and gun convictions can carry severe sentences, particularly when defendants have a criminal record and/or the weapons charge is coupled with other criminal charges, such as home invasion, robbery or drug charges. In many cases, weapons charges carry mandatory prison sentences, and those convicted may also face permanent marks on their record, along with heavy fines and community service time. Because weapons laws are regularly changing, it’s important that those who have been charged with a weapons charge in Chicago and suburban Cook County consult with an experienced criminal attorney at the Law Offices of Andrew M. Weisberg to learn more about their legal rights. Mr. Weisberg is a highly skilled legal professional who is dedicated to aggressively defending his clients’ rights in any necessary legal proceedings, including (not limited to):

White Collar Crimes

White collar crimes are nonviolent offenses that typically involve stealing, cheating or some form of fraud or dishonesty in matters related to business or commerce. Some of the more commonly prosecuted white collar crimes are embezzlement, fraud, bribery, employee theft, money laundering, forgery and other crimes. In Illinois, the most common charge resulting from white collar criminal activity is felony theft. Any theft over $500 can be charged as a felony. It goes without saying that the greater the alleged theft, the greater the possible punishment.