Overview: Theft, Robbery and Burglary
When a crime is committed, people often tend to believe that theft, robbery, and burglary are all the same things, but there are some minor differences between these three offenses. In fact, because there are differences between each criminal offense, the consequences that a person will face will depend on the specific type of crime he or she has committed.
When an individual uses a weapon to intimidate a victim while stealing, the individual likely committed an act of robbery. When an individual decides to steal something that belongs to another person but no weapon was involved nor was the individual present, the crime is usually considered theft. If someone takes the time to break into a building to take something that does not belong to them, they are committing an act of burglary. Although these differences may seem subtle, different types of consequences come along with each offense.
In-depth Details of Each Type of Crime
Understanding the differences between each type of crime is important. When you are taking another person’s property and you are the only one involved, you are committing an act of theft. You could be arrested for making the decision to take items that do not belong to you. When you rob someone, you are stealing something while intimidating a person and likely holding them against their will with a weapon, such as a gun or knife. When a person commits an act of robbery, things usually get violent and the victim is often injured in some way. On the other hand, burglary involves breaking and entering with the intent to steal something.
The Consequences For Committing These Crimes
Consequences will vary based on different factors, including the type of crime that was committed, the details of the crime, and the criminal history of the offender. Someone who is a repeat offender could end up with more severe consequences. When a person commits an act of theft, that person will usually be expected to pay restitution while possibly spending some time in jail or dealing with probation. Some offenders will need to participate in community service programs.
When someone is found guilty of burglary, they will usually end up paying hefty fines and will likely get put on probation where they are monitored regularly for several months or even years. Those charged with burglary might need to participate in a community service program, too. Depending on the severity of the burglary, imprisonment is possible. If an act of robbery is committed, it is considered a felony. People who commit acts of robbery tend to spend years in prison. There are people serving decades in prison for their role in a robbery.
Hiring the Right Defense Attorney
Anyone who is accused of theft, burglary, or even robbery should not hesitate to find an experienced criminal defense attorney. Because those accusations can eventually lead to lengthy prison sentences and fines, it is important for the accused to have legal representation while they work on proving their innocence.
Contact an Experienced Hamilton Township Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Theft Charges in New Jersey
Were you arrested or charged with theft in New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. The attorneys at the Davis Law Firm, LLC have successfully represented clients charged with theft in Robbinsville, Hopewell, West Windsor, East Windsor, and throughout New Jersey. Call 609-587-9100 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 2653 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
