What is the difference between burglary & robbery??

Criminal Defense Law – Chicago, Illinois – Robbery Vs. Burglary

In colloquial language, robbery and burglary are often used interchangeably. However, when you talk in strictly legal terms, robbery and burglary are two very different crimes. Each entails different criminal processes and is governed by a different set of laws. So, it is important for people convicted in either robbery or burglary to understand the difference.

At the outset, both robbing and burglarizing seem very similar. Both these criminal acts involve stealing other people’s property. However, the difference lies in the way these crimes are executed.

What is burglary?

According to the criminal defense law of Chicago, Illinois, burglary is the act of breaking into someone else’s property with a criminal intent or stealing but the act does not involve the intent of causing harm to victims or threatening victims to part with their possessions. A burglar enters a home usually when nobody is in and gets away with his loot.

What is robbery?

Robbery, unlike burglary, involves threatening victims and instilling fear in them. A robber forces victims to part with their belongings. One classic example is a bank robbery during a bank’s working hours.

Between robbery and burglary, robbery is considered to be a more serious crime.

The complexities of criminal defense law in Chicago

By understanding the legal definitions of burglary and robbery, you simply brush the surface of this complex part of criminal defense law in Illinois. Outcome of a robbery or burglary case depends on numerous aspects.

For example, robbery becomes a major crime when the robber uses weapons such as guns to threaten victims. In case the robber uses the weapon, seriousness of the crime increases multifold, even if none of the victims is hurt. A robber is given maximum punishment if he injures the victim during the act of robbery.

Similarly, burglary is considered a more serious offence when a residential building or a place of worship is burglarized. Stealing from shops and commercial spaces is considered to be a crime of lower degree.

There are numerous such factors involved in robbery and burglary cases. These complexities also provide opportunities for lawyers to negotiate on a lower sentence in case the accused is proved guilty. What is more, a brilliant lawyer can help the accused get an acquittal by playing around minute legal details.

If you have been accused of robbery or burglary, don’t lose hope. Acosta Law Group is at your service. With a highly knowledgeable, skilled and experienced lawyer from our firm on your side, you can breathe easy. We have helped numerous people accused of robbery and burglary obtain acquittals or have their sentence reduced. Contact us TODAY to discuss your case.