Illinois Vehicular Invasion

The Law – 720 ILCS 5/14 et seq.

A person commits Vehicular Invasion when he or she knowingly, by force and without lawful justification, enters or reaches into the interior of a motor vehicle while the motor vehicle is occupied by another person or persons, with the intent to commit therein a theft or felony.

Vehicular Invasion, an offshoot of Vehicular Hijacking, makes it a crime to reach into someone’s vehicle without their permission when that individual intends to commit theft or a felony. One key issue is the requirement of “by force.” While opening someone’s door or breaking the glass clearly establishes the “by force” element, a questions arises when the vehicle’s window is completely, or partially, down. In this case, an argument can be made that no force was present and the Vehicular Invasion law has not been violated.

The Sentence

CLASS 1 FELONY

• 4 to 15 years in state prison

• Fine of up to $25,000

Probation Possible? – Yes.

Supervision Possible? – No.