The Difference Between Burglary vs Robbery

Most people may interchange the terms burglary and robbery. When in fact, they are two different types of crimes with distinct legal definitions and penalties. Whether you become a victim of a burglary or robbery, it’s best to seek help from the police or your burglary lawyer as soon as you can. To help you understand their differences and report the correct case, here’s what you should know:

What Is Burglary?

Burglary involves a person illegally entering a property or establishment with the intent of stealing or committing a felony. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, burglary is classified into three categories, namely:

• Forcible Entry - Here, physical force is used to set foot in a building, which includes breaking down the door or shattering a window.
• Unlawful Entry - It is when an individual enters an establishment not meant to be open to the public or a building without outright permission from the owner.
• Attempted Forcible Entry - As the name suggests, even if the person fails to go into a building by force, it is still considered a burglary.

What Is Robbery?

Robbery occurs when an individual takes something valuable directly from someone through force, fear, or threat, with or without a weapon. Even if the robbery is unsuccessful, it is still considered a crime. It is a more serious felony that typically comes with a harsher sentence than burglary.

That said, the main difference between robbery and burglary is the use of threat and force in the former, while the latter involves the intent of stealing from someone’s property. The charges for these criminal offenses will depend on the state you live in and the degree of felonies committed.

Consult Our Legal Experts at Fitch & Stahle Law Office

Now that you know the difference between burglary vs robbery, you’ll have a better idea of how to proceed with the case should you get involved in either. Still, if you become a victim or get accused of these crimes, it’s best to reach out to a criminal lawyer right away. For trusted legal services, contact Fitch & Stahle Law Office in Iowa to request a free consultation.