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Felony Theft Amount and Penalties in Illinois

The dollar amount that makes theft a felony in Illinois, and the felony and misdemeanor classes and penalties that apply.

Short answer: Theft of property whose value exceeds $500 (but is less than $10,000) is a Class 3 felony. The Illinois pattern jury instruction for theft lists these value tiers: exceeding $500 and not exceeding $10,000; 720 ILCS 5/16-1(b)(4); Illinois Pattern Jury Instructions (Criminal) 13.04 (approved Oct. 27, 2017); People v. Mayfield, 2015 IL App (1st) 132300-U, ¶ 18

How much theft is a felonyTheft of property whose value exceeds $500 (but is less than $10,000) is a Class 3 felony. The Illinois pattern jury instruction for theft lists these value tiers: exceeding $500 and not exceeding $10,000; exceeding $10,000 and not exceeding $100,000; exceeding $100,000 and not exceeding $500,000; exceeding $500,000 and not exceeding $1,000,000; and exceeding $1,000,000. Value is measured by fair market value at the time and place of the theft.
Class 3 for $500-$10,000: https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/Resources/6bea881b-835c-4efb-be22-fb66c89e6cd3/1132300_R23.pdf (Rule 23 order citing 720 ILCS 5/16-1(b)(4) (West 2012))
Source: 720 ILCS 5/16-1(b)(4); Illinois Pattern Jury Instructions (Criminal) 13.04 (approved Oct. 27, 2017); People v. Mayfield, 2015 IL App (1st) 132300-U, ¶ 18
Felony classes and maximum sentencesIllinois grades felonies as first degree murder, Class X, and Classes 1, 2, 3 and 4. Prison terms: Class X 6 to 30 years (extended term 30 to 60; no probation); Class 1 4 to 15 years (second degree murder 4 to 20; extended term 15 to 30); Class 2 3 to 7 years (extended term 7 to 14); Class 3 2 to 5 years (extended term 5 to 10); Class 4 1 to 3 years (extended term 3 to 6). Probation can be up to 4 years for Class 1 and 2 felonies and up to 30 months for Class 3 and 4 felonies. Felony fines can be up to $25,000 per offense or the amount specified in the offense, whichever is greater.
Class 1: https://www.ilga.gov/Documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/073000050K5-4.5-30.htm; Class 4: https://www.ilga.gov/Documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/073000050K5-4.5-45.htm; fines: https://www.ilga.gov/Documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/073000050K5-4.5-50.htm
Source: 730 ILCS 5/5-4.5-25, -30, -35, -40, -45, -50(b)
Misdemeanor classes and maximum penaltiesIllinois has Class A, B and C misdemeanors. Class A: less than one year in jail and a fine up to $2,500. Class B: up to 6 months in jail and a fine up to $1,500. Class C: up to 30 days in jail and a fine up to $1,500. The fine can be higher if the offense specifies a greater amount. Probation or conditional discharge can be up to 2 years.
Class B: https://www.ilga.gov/Documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/073000050K5-4.5-60.htm; Class C: https://www.ilga.gov/Documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/073000050K5-4.5-65.htm
Source: 730 ILCS 5/5-4.5-55, -60, -65

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FAQ

How much do you have to steal for it to be a felony in Illinois?
Theft of property whose value exceeds $500 (but is less than $10,000) is a Class 3 felony. The Illinois pattern jury instruction for theft lists these value tiers: exceeding $500 and not exceeding $10,000; exceeding $10,000 and not exceeding $100,000; exceeding $100,000 and not exceeding $500,000; exceeding $500,000 and not exceeding $1,000,000; and exceeding $1,000,000. Value is measured by fair market value at the time and place of the theft.
What are the felony classes and maximum sentences in Illinois?
Illinois grades felonies as first degree murder, Class X, and Classes 1, 2, 3 and 4. Prison terms: Class X 6 to 30 years (extended term 30 to 60; no probation); Class 1 4 to 15 years (second degree murder 4 to 20; extended term 15 to 30); Class 2 3 to 7 years (extended term 7 to 14); Class 3 2 to 5 years (extended term 5 to 10); Class 4 1 to 3 years (extended term 3 to 6). Probation can be up to 4 years for Class 1 and 2 felonies and up to 30 months for Class 3 and 4 felonies. Felony fines can be up to $25,000 per offense or the amount specified in the offense, whichever is greater.
What are the misdemeanor classes and penalties in Illinois?
Illinois has Class A, B and C misdemeanors. Class A: less than one year in jail and a fine up to $2,500. Class B: up to 6 months in jail and a fine up to $1,500. Class C: up to 30 days in jail and a fine up to $1,500. The fine can be higher if the offense specifies a greater amount. Probation or conditional discharge can be up to 2 years.

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.