When someone takes something from you and you didn’t give them consent, it is a pretty violating feeling. The severity of the crime differs from one case to another, and there are different classifications including theft, robbery and burglary. Ajua Bail Bonds would like to talk about the difference between these three terms.
Aren’t Theft, Robbery, Larceny & Burglary Basically the Same Thing?
These three terms are often used together, but the three terms on their own are all different property crimes. Today we are going to talk about each of them. We will start off with the most basic property crime.
Theft Legal Definition
The act of theft is quite simple. It is when a person takes something that belongs to someone else without consent to take it. Once they take this tangible (physical item) or intangible property (such as a trademark or copyright), they have no plans to ever let that person have it again. This means, they can’t simply be borrowing the item. The thief has used some sort of deceit to take the property and they intend to keep it.
Examples of Larceny
Larceny is simply a nonviolent theft involving the wrongful taking and carrying away of someone else’s physical personal property without their permission. It requires someone to have possession of the stolen item and moving it; even just a short distance.
Robbery Charges
Robbery goes beyond just taking something that doesn’t belong to you without the owner knowing it. When you commit a robbery, you are taking the object from the person and using some sort of force or threat while you are doing it. This crime is violent where theft doesn’t involve violence. Just to be clear, the victim of a robbery doesn’t have to sustain any injuries in order for the crime to be considered a robbery. The offender may be using threats to take it as well, and the crime is still considered a robbery.
Burglary Cases
Although burglary is associated with theft often times, it doesn’t necessarily mean that person stole anything from the victim. To commit burglary, all you have to do is enter a structure with the intent to commit crime while you are in there. The crime doesn’t have to be stealing anything either. If you even reach inside a structure with the intent to take something from it, you can be accused of committing a burglary. Structures range from a tent, to a large building, to a residential home. If you have even opened the door to go inside it with the mindset to commit a crime, you could be charged with burglary. You don’t have to use force to get inside either, which is another misconception.
Bail Bond Services in Selma & Fresno County, Atwater & Merced County, Visalia & Tulare County, Hanford & Kings County, Madera County and the Central Valley of California
It is important to know the difference between these three crimes. They often get thrown into the mix together, but the consequences for committing each of these crimes can be vastly different as well as the amount needed to get out on bail. If you or someone you love is in need of a bail bond after committing theft, robbery, larceny or burglary, Ajua Bail Bonds can help get them home as soon as possible. Call us today!
