720 ILCS 5/16-3 – Theft of Labor or Services or Use of Property
This law makes it a crime to use someone else’s work, services, or rented items without permission or by tricking them.
This law says a person commits theft if they use someone’s work or supplies–such as labor, services, or equipment–without consent. It also covers not returning rented vehicles, tools, or library materials after being asked to bring them back.
(a) A person commits theft if they knowingly use someone else’s property, labor, or services (that are meant only for hire) by lying, threatening, or using them without permission. Things you borrow from a library count as available for hire.
(b) Theft also happens when someone rents or leases something–like a car, tools, or event supplies worth over $500–and then does not return it on time. After being sent a written demand by certified mail to return the item within 3 days, if the person still fails to return it without a good reason, it is considered theft. If the person used a false name or address when renting, that can be used as proof they did not have a good reason.
(c) A person commits theft if they borrow library items worth $50 or more and fail to return them within 30 days after getting a written notice by certified mail. This applies when the person knew they were supposed to return the materials and had no good excuse for keeping them.
(d) Sentence: If found guilty under subsection (a), it is usually a Class A misdemeanor. But if the stolen library items are worth more than $300, it becomes a Class 3 felony. Theft under subsection (b) is a Class 4 felony. Theft under subsection (c) is a petty offense with a fine up to $500, plus repayment for library costs and fees. However, if the stolen library materials total more than $300, it becomes a Class 3 felony. The court can also order the person to repay the victim for their losses. If the theft of library materials adds up to more than $300 within 90 days, these can be combined into one big offense.
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