Differences between Theft & Robbery; And How to Select a Lawyer

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Differences between Theft & Robbery; And How to Select a Lawyer


In the domain of crime, people are often confused as to the difference between common terms such as robbery and theft. • The crime of robbery relates to when the offender uses violence or threats, physical or otherwise, to take property from the victim. • The intention is: – to perform the act without the owner’s consent – to keep the property permanently – to use force or bullying


• Theft, on the other hand, is an umbrella term that applies to stealing another person’s property with the specific intent of depriving him/her of the possession. • Theft, also called larceny in some states, can include acts such as:

– Taking someone’s money or belongings without permission – Examples are shoplifting, data theft, or stealing a car


• Theft can also mean stealing of services such as: – Electricity or cable – Not paying restaurant/hotel/telephone bills – Not paying for public transportation

• In legal terms, types of theft as defined by statute can include larceny by trick, breach of trust, false pretenses, or embezzlement.


Penalties for theft and robbery • According to top Maryland Criminal lawyers attorneys, theft can be either a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the extent of property involved. • The range of punishments varies by state with convictions of up to 10 years prison time and/or $10,000 fine.

• Robbery is a crime similar to theft but of a more serious nature because it includes threats and assault as well. • As a Prince George’s County criminal law attorney lawyer rightly says, “Robbery offenses are treated very seriously and can carry punishment up to 15 years in prison and even higher if the crime is armed robbery or carjacking.”


On Getting Representation • If a person is charged with crime, he or she has entered the domain of criminal justice system. • Since any person charged with crime has all rights to defend him/her, an experienced attorney is vital to represent the case.

• It is true many people charged with crime can get a public defender, but some may not be able to do so financially or they may prefer to hire a private lawyer.


While choosing a criminal lawyer, the defendant must consider the local advantage.

• It makes sense if the • It is also better if the lawyer has represented lawyer has experience in defendants charged with the courthouse where similar crime. the case is pending. to • Moreover, local • According top Maryland Criminal law attorneys know the style yers attorneys of local police officers , modern criminal law and how they function being very complex, in court before juries. defendants can find a lawyer specializing in specific types of offenses.


Can a defendant change lawyers after hiring one?

• Yes, the defendant can • However, such a change lawyers without decision must be court approval. carried out after a great deal of thought. • Moreover the defendant need not substantiate • This is because, in the decision to the addition to paying to lawyer the new lawyer, the defendant must pay the earlier lawyer whatever is due of the fee.


Contact Us: Address: 1801 McCormick Drive Suite 150 Largo, Maryland 20774 Phone no: (301)-358-3271 Fax : 877.728.7744 E-mail: information@rnnlawmd.com


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