What is the difference between theft, robbery and burglary?
Theft, robbery and burglary are similar crimes, but have varying consequences for those who have been accused. Theft is defined to be the act of taking property without an interaction with another person. Robbery is the taking of property with a person-to-person interaction that may involve physical force or coercion. Burglary is the theft of property after entering a building or residence with the intention of committing a theft or other crime.
Theft Penalties
Theft can include offenses, such as larceny, embezzlement, false pretenses, shoplifting and receiving stolen property. The penalties that can result from this charge are largely based on the value of the property that was stolen.
There are a few different levels of theft. Petty theft is when the stolen property is valued at $100 or less. This is considered to be a misdemeanor. If someone is charged with petty theft, they may face up to 90 days in jail and a possible $500 fine. Misdemeanor theft is stolen property that is valued between $100 to $1,000. Being charged with this may result in an individual facing up to 18 months in jail and a $500 fine. Felony theft is an even greater charge. The value of the property for felony theft is between $1,000 to $10,000. Those who are accused may face up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
As the value of the theft increases, the consequences may increase as well. Felony theft of property between $10,000 to $100,000 may result in up to 15 years in prison and a $15,000 fine. When the property is valued over $100,000, individuals may face up to 25 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
Robbery Penalties
Robbery is theft of property or the attempt to commit theft with the use of force, coercion or intimidation. It can be defined based on two categories. Robbery is a felony that may result in 15 years in jail. Armed robbery is an even harsher crime with increasing consequences. It includes the attempt to commit a robbery with a dangerous weapon or display of a written instrument claiming to have a dangerous weapon. With this charge, individuals may face up to 20 years in jail.
Burglary Penalties
Burglary charges range from misdemeanor charges to felony charges. First-degree burglary is a felony where the jail time depends on the intent of the individual and the type of structure after they enter another’s dwelling. Individuals may face up to 20 years in jail for the intent to commit theft or up to 25 years in jail for the intent to commit a crime of violence. Second-degree burglary is considered a felony as well. When these individuals enter a storehouse illegally, they may face up to 15 years in jail for the intent to commit theft, violence or arson. They may also face up to 20 years in jail and a fine up to $10,000 for the intent to steal a firearm. Third-degree burglary is a felony, too. The guilty party may face up to 10 years in jail for entering property illegally with the intent to commit a crime.
Fourth-degree burglary is a misdemeanor charge with up to three years of potential jail time for those convicted. Burglary with a destructive device is considered to be a felony that may cause the convicted individuals to face up to 20 years in prison. Breaking into a research facility is a separate category that counts as a felony. It may cause jail time up to five years and a fine of $5,000. If individuals are found in possession of burglar’s tools, they may be accused of a misdemeanor with up to three years in jail.
By acquiring legal counsel, we can best help you defend yourself if you were charged with one of these offenses. We want to help ensure that your future is not ruined.
Albers & Associates is comprised of experienced personal injury, criminal defense, and family law attorneys. Our firm is proud to serve clients in Baltimore, Maryland. If you require strong legal representation that will fight to protect your future, contact the attorneys at Albers & Associates to schedule a consultation.