Your Future Deserves Protection

Understanding the differences between robbery and burglary

On Behalf of | Oct 23, 2024 | Criminal Defense Process

In Florida, robbery and burglary are separate crimes. While they are often confused because they share overlapping themes, each crime has a specific definition according to the law.

Understanding the difference is crucial for anyone facing charges involving taking property from a person in their presence or entering another person’s property intending to commit a crime.

Robbery

The crime of robbery involves taking someone’s property from them or their immediate presence using force, violence or putting the victim in fear of imminent violence. This crime is not just stealing. Robbery involves a confrontation with the victim and the use of physical force or intimidation.

Burglary

Burglary involves entering someone’s property or dwelling, intending to commit a crime inside. That crime could be theft, assault or other offenses. A person can commit burglary without coming into contact with anyone.

Type of offense and penalties

Robbery can be a simple robbery or an armed robbery, depending on whether a weapon is involved. If found guilty, individuals can face severe penalties for this crime—armed robbery, for instance, results in a minimum prison sentence of ten years.

Prosecutors can also charge burglary differently depending on whether the crime involved an occupied dwelling—meaning the perpetrator entered the property while people were inside it. Penalties for this crime range from several years to a life sentence.

Legal representation

If you are charged with either of these crimes, seeking professional advice and representation is critical. The specific circumstances of the crime are key in developing a proper legal strategy.

The confusion or belief that robbery and burglary are the same crime arises because they both involve theft. However, they are different crimes with distinct elements, penalties and defenses. Consult with an experienced criminal law attorney who can help you get through this time and advocate for you.