Here at the Chambers Law Firm, we’re always looking for ways to help our clients understand their cases better. One of the most commonly question we receive is:
What’s the difference between theft, robbery, and burglary?
According to California law, they are considered separate, though related, crimes. Find out more about these three crimes below, and feel free to check out more articles on this blog for further information about California legal procedures and policies. Also don’t hesitate to contact the Chambers Law Firm if you have more legal questions about your case.
Many people are unsure about the differences between theft, robbery, and burglary. It seems like the media often uses these terms interchangeably. All of these crimes relate to the unauthorized taking of someone’s property by another person—aka, stealing. The differences relate to the intention of the person and specific situation in which the stealing occurs.
Theft is another word for larceny. Someone takes the property of another without permission with the intent to permanently deprive that person of it.
Robbery is theft that’s accomplished through the use of physical force or fear. For example, if someone steals a wallet by removing it from a purse without the person realizing it, that’s theft or larceny, but if someone threatens another with a knife and steals the wallet, that’s considered robbery.
Burglary, on the other hand, is completely different, because the person who commits burglary doesn’t even need to have the intention of stealing anything. He or she simply enters a residential or commercial property with the intent to commit a crime inside. This could be any crime—using illegal drugs, murder, or even committing forgery in a private building could be considered burglary. Even if the person hasn’t broken anything to get into the property, he or she could be charged with burglary if they weren’t authorized to access that property.
If you’re facing theft, robbery, or burglary charges in Southern California, contact Southern California’s best criminal defense attorney now. Attorney Dan Chambers has been successfully defending those who have been accused of theft, robbery, and burglary for many years. He knows every effective legal strategy that could be applied to these kinds of cases, and he’ll always fight to defend your rights and best interests throughout your case.
Prospective clients should call 714-760-4088, email dchambers@clfca.com, or use the chat box below to schedule their initial consultation with Attorney Chambers today. Your first appointment is absolutely free!
