What is The Difference Between Theft, Robbery & Burglary?

Do you know the difference between theft, robbery, and burglary?  Although they are often used interchangeably, because they all involve the unauthorized taking of someone’s personal property, they are all very different crimes. If you, or someone you love, has been arrested for theft, robbery, or burglary you will need the help of an experienced Tempe criminal defense attorney.

Here’s a little background on each and why they are unique in Arizona:

Theft Charges

The most basic of all three crimes occurs when someone takes someone else’s property without the consent of the owner. This is known as theft. Theft also conveys the intention to permanently deprive the owner of its use or possession. It’s also sometimes called larceny, petty theft, or grand theft. Theft usually involves money, physical goods or any other physical object you can move or transport.

Robbery Charges

Robbery is essentially theft accomplished through the use of physical force or fear. Robbery is a violent crime, but that doesn’t mean the victim has to suffer any type of injury. It’s enough to commit a robbery if you any type of force, including just a threat of violence. For example, forcing a person at gunpoint to give you their purse or wallet would be considered a robbery.

Burglary Charges

Burglary is committed when you enter a structure with the intent to commit a crime inside. For purposes of Arizona burglary law, a structure includes nonresidential buildings, natural formations, and residential dwellings. One can commit a burglary even if the only force used is to open the door, and you can be convicted of burglary even if you don’t completely enter into a structure. For example, opening a window and stealing something off a ledge with just your arm counts as burglary.

Tempe Theft Defense Attorney Kyle T. Green

I’ve spent years as a criminal defense attorney in Tempe with the experience and confidence to represent you in your theft case. Before I was a criminal defense attorney, I worked as a prosecutor, which gives me insight into how Arizona will handle its case. My knowledge of the Arizona court systems and strong negotiation and legal defense skills have proven effective in the successful defense of many theft and robbery cases in the past. Call 480-331-7568 to set up an initial free case review with me today.