What Is the Difference between Burglary and Robbery?

Posted By The Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass || 20-Apr-2012

In everyday life, the terms burglary and robbery are often used synonymously. In reality, they are very different, and sometimes even unrelated, though they are both serious crimes. To learn the correct definition of these two crimes from acriminal defense lawyer, read on.

Burglary
Burglary is simply the act of unlawfully entering a home or building with the intent to commit a felony of any kind—not necessarily theft. This entrance can be violent, like breaking a window or smashing a door, or as peaceful as trespassing into a home through a door left open. The crime of burglary does not require that the resident actually be at home; indeed, burglary is often committed when no one is present. Usually, burglary involves no violence and no threatening of residents. Staying in a building after it is closed in order to commit a felony may also qualify as burglary. An example of burglary would be breaking into the home of a family on vacation and stealing valuable items like jewelry and a television. The burglar entered the home to commit a felony, but he did not harm or threaten any people.

Robbery
Robbery is the act of using violence or threats to take money or property from a person or establishment. Unlike burglary, robbery must have a victim present and must involve violence or the threat of violence. If a weapon is involved, the crime becomes armed robbery or aggravated robbery, which is more severe. Unfortunately, robbery is a fairly common crime, often perpetrated by someone with a weapon who forces an innocent victim to surrender cash or face violence. This situation contains the hallmarks of a robbery: theft and violence.

In Texas, robbery and burglary are both serious crimes that can lead to time in prison. If you’re accused of such an offense, contact the Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass today. To schedule a free initial consultation. call our Dallas office at .