What Is the Difference Between Robbery and Burglary?

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass || 15-Sep-2015

Robbery and burglary are often used interchangeably to describe crimes involving theft. However, there are some key differences. If you’ve been arrested on suspicion of either crime, you need to call a criminal defense attorney right away. As your federal criminal attorney can explain to you, robbery involves the use of physical violence or the threat of force against someone to illegally obtain items or money. If the defendant is accused of using a gun, knife, or other deadly weapon, or of brandishing a weapon, the charge may be upgraded to aggravated robbery. By hiring a criminal defense attorney, you can minimize the chances of being convicted and sentenced to penalties that may range from two to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. The penalties for aggravated robbery in Texas are even more severe.

In contrast, burglary involves unlawfully entering into a home, business, vehicle, or other structure for the purpose of committing any type of crime. This crime may involve theft, but it does not have to involve theft to be considered burglary. Furthermore, the prosecutor only needs to prove that the defendant committed an unlawful entry and had the intent to commit a crime; the prosecutor does not need to prove that the defendant committed the theft or other crime.

Texas law treats convicted burglars and robbers quite severely. If you’re facing felony charges near Dallas, call the Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass right away at to arrange a consultation with our veteran attorney.