In most cases, robbery is a felony, and a conviction can result in significant prison time, especially if a weapon was involved. For example, Georgia's robbery statute provides that the crime is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. However, an armed robbery conviction in that state can lead to a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, life imprisonment, or even capital punishment.
Code Ann. The elements of crimes and their potential punishments can vary from state to state. For more on the differences between theft and robbery, or to learn about the laws in your area, consult an experienced criminal defense lawyer. The information provided on this site is not legal advice, does not constitute a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or will be formed by use of the site. The attorney listings on this site are paid attorney advertising.
In some states, the information on this website may be considered a lawyer referral service. Please reference the Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state. Grow Your Legal Practice. Meet the Editors. The Differences Between Theft and Robbery. Definition of Theft " Theft "—called "larceny" in some states—is a broad term that can cover a wide variety of criminal offenses.
The typical elements of theft are a person: taking someone's money or personal property without permission carrying the property away, and intending to keep the property permanently. For instance, depending on the relevant law, theft can occur where someone doesn't pay for but uses: cable, cellphone, or electricity services hotel or restaurant accommodations, or public transportation.
Definition of Robbery Like theft, robbery involves taking money or property without permission. The typical elements of robbery are someone taking money or property: with the intent to keep the property permanently without the property owner's consent by the use of force or intimidation. Penalties for Theft In many states theft or larceny can be either a felony or a misdemeanor , depending on the value of the stolen property. Penalties for Robbery Because robbery involves force, it is often considered a more serious crime than theft.
Legal Help The elements of crimes and their potential punishments can vary from state to state. Talk to a Lawyer Start here to find criminal defense lawyers near you. Practice Area Please select Each definition depends on the type of robbery a person is accused of committing. Robbery is the intent to maintain control or obtain control of property while knowingly, intentionally or recklessly causing another individual bodily injury.
Bodily injury means to cause some type of physical harm to the alleged victim like a wound or broken bone. Robbery and aggravated robbery involve prison time as punishment. Robbery is a second degree felony. A person convicted of robbery may spend up to 20 years in prison. Aggravated robbery is the harsher of the two crimes. A person convicted of aggravated robbery may spend up to 99 years in prison. Shoplifting and robbery are serious charges. They result in incarceration and fines. The Law Office of Greg Tsioros understands the anxiety and fear you face because of your criminal charge.
This is why we are with you every step of the way. We go over the facts of the case with you, build a strong defense and work hard to get your charge dropped or reduced. We also keep you informed about all stages of your proceedings. Contact Houston sex crime attorney Greg Tsioros at for an initial case evaluation. States consider robbery a crime of violence, but that doesn't mean the victim has to suffer any type of physical injury. It's enough to commit robbery if you use any type of force or threat of force to take property from someone's person or under their control like in the store safe example.
Burglary Though burglary can involve theft, one doesn't necessarily have to take any property to be convicted of this crime. In past years, burglary crimes most often targeted breaking into someone else's home or dwelling. Today, burglary laws are much broader. A person can commit burglary by unlawfully entering any structure , building, and sometimes a conveyance like a vehicle with the intent to commit a crime inside.
For purposes of burglary laws, a "structure" generally includes nonresidential buildings, offices, sheds, places of worship, warehouses, trailers, and even temporary structures such as tents. Some people mistakenly believe a destructive or forceful breaking like busting a door jam or window must occur in order to be charged with burglary, but that isn't the case. A person can commit a burglary even if the only force used to enter a building is pushing open a door or slightly lifting an already unlocked and open window.
Also, a person can be convicted of burglary even if they don't completely enter into a structure. For example, lifting up a window and extending an arm, or an object, to take something from inside is enough to commit a burglary.
Intent to commit a crime. A person can be convicted of burglary even without actually committing the intended crime. The prosecutor need only show the intent existed at the time the unlawful entry occurred.
Usually, the prosecutor can prove intent using circumstantial evidence, such as the police find a person using a crowbar to open a back door and holding a bag filled with duct tape, rope, and a gun. Also, the intended crime doesn't need to be theft or robbery; for example, the person might break into a house intending to assault or harass the occupants. Get Advice From a Lawyer You should always talk to a lawyer in your area if you ever need legal advice or information about crimes or the criminal justice process.
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