State of Illinois v. Desireee R. Cortez

Geneva, Illinois, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with multiple counts of felony theft.



Desiree R. Cortez, age 37, pled guilty to stealing more than $100,000 from her employer.



Two other counts relating to financial exploitation of an elderly person and financial exploitation of an elderly person age 70 or older by someone in a position of trust were dismissed.



In Illinois, grand theft is the theft of an item worth more than $500, and is considered a felony. The penalties for grand theft depend on the value of the stolen property.

Grand theft penalties



Class 2 felony

Stealing property worth between $10,000 and $100,000, with a possible sentence of up to seven years in prison



Class 1 felony

Stealing property worth between $100,000 and $500,000, with a possible sentence of up to 15 years in prison

Class X felony

Stealing property worth more than $1,000,000, with a possible sentence of up to 30 years in prison



Other theft-related offenses



Petty theft

Stealing property worth less than $500, with a possible sentence of up to one year in prison



Grand larceny

Stealing property of considerable monetary value, or items of personal value not subject to market value



Prosecution

To prove grand theft, prosecutors must show that the defendant intentionally took property without permission and with the intent to permanently deprive the owner.

If you are accused of grand theft, you should contact a legal professional.

Guilty