Posted on Sunday, December 1st, 2024 at 9:00 am
Robbery and burglary sound similar, and most people think of them as crimes where someone steals something. What’s the difference? The difference between robbery vs. burglary can be significant if you face criminal charges in Florida. The distinction between these two illegal acts can impact your defense strategy, the outcome of a criminal case, and the potential penalties a person may face for conviction.
What Is the Difference Between These Crimes in Florida?
The legal distinctions between robbery vs. burglary are significant and not just a matter of semantics. Florida law defines burglary as an offense that occurs when an individual knowingly enters a dwelling or structure intending to commit a crime inside. Burglary can involve a home, residence, structure, or conveyance like a car or motor vehicle.
In Florida, a robbery occurs when an individual takes money or property from the custody of another individual or their person with the intent to deprive that individual of that property.
When someone commits burglary, they unlawfully enter a property to commit a criminal act. That act could be theft or robbery, but an individual can face burglary charges without taking anything. Burglary involves entering a dwelling or structure intending to commit a crime. The mere act of entering the structure, meaning to commit a crime, makes the actor guilty of burglary.
Robbery is unique because it involves taking someone else’s property, typically through means involving fear or violence. Robbery is often a criminal act against someone, whereas burglary is a property crime.
Degrees of Burglary and Robbery
The classification of robbery changes depending on whether a deadly weapon or firearm is involved as well. Carrying a deadly weapon or firearm in the course of committing a robbery is considered a felony in the first degree in Florida. It is a significant criminal offense that carries severe punishments for conviction.
What is more serious, robbery or burglary? Again, the distinction depends on the circumstances of the situation. Committing burglary armed with explosives or a dangerous weapon is a felony in the first degree. Committing a robbery without a weapon or firearm is a felony of the second degree. Circumstances matter.
Penalties for Robbery and Burglary
The penalties for a robbery and burglary conviction depend on the degree of the crime. Potential penalties for a criminal conviction can include the following:
Third-Degree Felony:
- Fines up to $5,000
- Up to five years in prison
Second-Degree Felony:
- Fines up to $10,000
- Up to 15 years in prison
First-Degree Felony:
- Fines up to $10,000
- Up to 30 years in prison
Florida law also dictates that if an individual is charged with a felony offense and a weapon or firearm is an essential element of that offense, an individual can face a potential sentence of up to life in prison. A robbery or burglary conviction can also lead to other significant consequences, like a criminal record and challenges finding employment or housing. Your personal and professional reputation and relationships can also take a hit, causing stress and other hardships.
Understanding Florida’s penalty system, levels of offenses, and point system can be challenging. A Pensacola criminal defense attorney can evaluate the circumstances of your unique situation and help you understand your legal rights, the penalties you may face, and the defense tactics that offer you the best chance of obtaining the most favorable outcome possible.
Contact a Florida Criminal Defense Attorney for Help Immediately
If you face robbery or burglary charges in Florida, you have no time to wait. Law enforcement and prosecutors are already working against you. You need the help of an experienced Pensacola criminal defense attorney with The Morris Firm. Our legal team has the skills and resources to build a compelling defense strategy that addresses the key points of your situation.
Call our Florida office today at (850) 503-2626 or contact us online to set up a confidential and free case evaluation. We are ready to fight for you and won’t back down when protecting your legal rights.
Related Posts:
What Is Gross Sexual Imposition in Pensacola?
What Is a High BAC for a DUI? Why It Matters in Florida
Failure to Register as a Sex Offender Penalties