IL HB4275

Creates a new offense of "organized retail theft" in the Illinois Criminal Code of 2012, targeting individuals who act in concert with others to steal merchandise, receive stolen goods, act as agents in theft schemes, or recruit/coordinate others to commit retail theft

Establishes tiered felony penalties based on merchandise value: Class 3 felony for property valued at $300 or less, Class 2 felony for property exceeding $300, with enhanced penalties for repeat offenders and those using theft-facilitating devices

Increases penalties for defendants with prior convictions for theft, robbery, burglary, home invasion, credit card fraud, or forgery—up to Class 1 felony for merchandise over $300

Allows courts to consider evidence of prior coordinated theft activity and use of theft-facilitating devices (such as booster bags or tag removers) when determining whether defendant acted in concert with others

Establishes flexible venue rules allowing prosecution in any county where the theft occurred, merchandise was recovered, or any act furthering the offense took place, including consolidated prosecution of related multi-county offenses