The Difference Between Theft and Robbery

The terms “theft” and “robbery” are often mistaken to mean the same thing, as both involve taking someone else’s property or money. Although there are similarities between the two crimes, they have distinct differences. Theft is a property crime, whereas robbery involves violence or threat of violence against a person. Robbery includes elements of theft and the use of intimidation, making it generally considered a more serious crime.

In this article, we will go over the difference between Theft and Robbery as well as the penalties for each crime.

What is Theft

Theft involves taking someone else’s property without their consent and with the intention of permanently depriving the owner of that property. This can include taking money, goods, or other types of property. Theft can occur in various forms, including larceny, embezzlement, and fraud.

Theft Penalties in Texas

In Texas, the punishments for theft may depend on the estimated value of the stolen property.

• Property valued less than $100 – Class C Misdemeanor – which can result in a $500 fine.
• Property valued between $100 and $750 – Class B Misdemeanor – Which can result in up to 180 days in jail with a fine up to $2,000.
• Theft of property valued between $750 and $2,500 – Class A Misdemeanor – Results could be a year in jail with a fine up to $4,000.
• Theft of property valued at $2,500 or more – State Jail Felony – Results in a sentence of 180 days in jail or up to 2 years with a fine up to $10,000.
• Property valued $30,000 – Third-Degree Felony – Jail sentence 2 to 10 years with a fine up to $10,000.
• Theft of $150,000 – Second-Degree Felony – Jail sentence 2 to 20 years and a fine up to $10,000
• Theft of property valued at $300,000 or more – First-Degree Felony – With sentencing of 5 to 99 years or life in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

In addition to those penalties, those convicted of theft in Texas may also be required to pay restitution to the victim and may face other consequences such as a criminal record and difficulty finding employment.

What is Robbery

Robbery is a criminal offense that involves taking somebody’s property through the use of force or threat of force. In other words, robbery is theft committed with violence or the threat of violence against the victim. The specific elements of the crime typically include taking ones property from their immediate possession, against their will, and through the use of force or threat of force.

Robbery is generally considered a more serious crime than theft because it involves violence or threat of violence against a person. Additionally, robbery charges can include imprisonment, fines, restitution, and other legal consequences.

Robbery Penalties in Texas

In Texas, robbery is considered a serious crime with severe penalties. The exact robbery sentence and punishment for can vary depending on the circumstances of the crime.

•  First-Degree Felony: If a deadly weapon was used or if the victim was threatened with serious bodily injury. This carries a penalty of 5 to 99 years or life in state prison, with a fine up to $10,000.
• Second-Degree Felony: If the victim was threatened with bodily injury but no weapon was used. This carries a penalty of 2 to 20 years in prison, with a fine up to $10,000.

In addition to these penalties, those convicted of robbery or armed robbery in Texas may also be required to pay restitution to the victim and may face other consequences such as a criminal record and difficulty finding employment. However, the exact punishment will depend on the specific circumstances of the crime and the defendant’s criminal history.

Arrested for Theft? Don’t Plea, Call Me!

If you are facing accusations or charges for theft, you need to speak with an experienced theft defense attorney to help with your case.

With this on your criminal record, your life can be altered completely. Having a theft or robbery defense lawyer on your side fighting to get you little to no jail time will be extremely important. Having Texas Criminal Defense Group on your side will help to negotiate plea deals that will benefit you in hopes to have your case completely dropped with no prison sentence.

Therefore, If you are facing aggravating factors and live in Lubbock County, Potter County, Randall County, Dallas County, Denton County, Midland County or Tarrant County, Contact our attorneys at Texas Criminal Defense Group for a legal review of your case.