Most people are unware of the difference between theft and robbery. Everyone should know how their state — in our case the Commonwealth of Virginia — defines theft and robbery.
·Theft — Defined as a property crime, theft entails stealing goods and money and depriving the other person of their property.
·Robbery — Defined as a property crime where a person steals the property of another person using force or threat.
Let’s take a closer look at the difference between theft and robbery in Virginia.
What is Theft in Virginia?
Virginia law classifies theft as a misdemeanor, but depending on the level of crime committed, the charges can increase to grand larceny and felony robbery. If held responsible, the court may order you to pay a fine and spend up to one year in jail. If someone has accused you of theft, you need to obtain the counsel of a dedicated and experienced criminal defense attorney in Virginia. Your criminal defense lawyer can represent you in court for the following charges:
·Shoplifting
·Identity theft
·Petit larceny (worth up to $5 off another person or worth up to $500)
·Grand larceny (worth more than $5 off another person or worth more than $500)
·Auto theft
·Burglary
·Credit card fraud
Penalties of Theft
Here are the penalties for petit larceny charges in the state:
·Up to one year behind bars
·Fine of up to $2,500
·Class 1 misdemeanor on criminal record
Here are the penalties for grand larceny charges in the state:
·Minimum of one year behind bars and maximum of 20 years behind bars
·Fine of up to $2,500
Robbery is not part of theft, as it is a separate charge entirely.
What is Robbery in Virginia?
If you are accused of using force or for having threatened someone with deadly force using a weapon, your criminal defense lawyer will defend you against first degree charges. You would be charged with a second-degree robbery charge if the person who accused you had the fear that you would injure them, but you did not have a weapon with you at the time of incident. To convict a person of a first-degree robbery or second-degree robbery, the court will look at the following elements of the case:
·The defendant acted without the permission of the property owner
·The defendant intended to steal the property from the property owner
·The defendant stole the property from the property owner
·The defendant used force or intimidation to take the property from the property owner
Penalties of Robbery
Here are the penalties for robbery in the state:
·Mandatory term of five years behind bars
·Fine of up to $2,500
In the event a person injures someone in the act of robbery, they may face life imprisonment.
If you have been accused of theft or robbery in the state of Virginia, you need to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney to defend you in court.