Robbery vs. Burglary in Florida

When you think of crimes that involve taking property without the owner’s consent, theft is probably the first thing that comes to mind. There are other types of crimes involving theft as well, such as robbery and burglary.

Many people use these terms interchangeably, but they are not the same. There are different elements involved. Here’s what you should know about robbery and burglary and how they differ.

Key Differences

The FBI defines burglary as the unlawful entry of a structure to commit a theft or other felony crime. A structure is defined as a home, apartment, barn, house trailer, office, stable, or ship. A structure could also be a railroad car (but an automobile would not qualify as a structure) or a houseboat, if it is being used as a permanent dwelling.

There does not need to be any use of force to gain entry into the structure. There are three classifications of burglary: forcible entry, unlawful entry where no force is used, and attempted forcible entry.

In a burglary, there are usually no victims involved. That’s because burglaries typically occur when the premises are unoccupied. The perpetrator attempts to enter the home or other structure without the knowledge or consent of the owner. They do not want any confrontation.

There may be force involved, but it is directed at the property, not a person. The burglar is usually in the structure to commit theft. However, if there is violence involved toward another person, then it becomes a robbery. Robbery is also a type of theft that involves taking property directly from someone.

Robbery is generally considered a more serious offense than burglary due to the potential for violence and harm to the victim. Penalties for robbery can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the circumstances of the crime but often include significant prison sentences. Burglary is also a serious offense, but penalties may be less severe than for robbery, especially if no one is harmed during the commission of the crime. There are often varying degrees of robbery and burglary, depending on factors such as the use of weapons, the presence of occupants, and the value of the stolen goods.

In any case, either crime can lead to felony charges. A felony can affect a person for the rest of their life and affect their rights to vote, own firearms, and more. There’s a lot at stake, so contact a criminal defense lawyer for legal help.

Contact Us Today

Robbery and burglary are similar crimes, but there are some key differences. If you have been accused of either of these crimes, seek legal help right away.

An experienced Florida criminal defense lawyer from Linkhorst & Hockin, P.A. can help you plan the right defense so you get the best outcome possible. To schedule a consultation with our office, call 561-626-8880 or fill out the online form.

Source:

ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2018/crime-in-the-u.s.-2018/topic-pages/burglary