Understanding The Crimes of Robbery & Thef
• We regularly hear the terms “theft” and “robbery”. But most of us are confused and not sure of the differences between the two. • You must keep in mind that theft and robbery share some similar characteristics, but the offences are different.
Understanding the differences between thef and robbery
• Theft, also called larceny, is an umbrella term that covers a variety of criminal offences. • For example, stealing a car and picking a pocket are both forms of theft. • Typical examples of theft are when a person:
– Takes someone else’s personal property without consent – Carries the property away with the intent to keep it permanently
• It must be kept in mind that the victim need not be present during the crime. • A theft can be committed even when the item(s) are left unattended.
Most people associate thef with taking property.
• Top Maryland criminal lawyers attorneys have dealt with many other forms of theft. • For example, theft can occur when someone does not pay but uses: • Utility and cable services • Hotel accommodations • Bus and train services
Identity thef is also a crime. • With the world becoming increasingly digitized, identity theft is on the rise. • Prince George’s County criminal law attorney lawyer informs that millions of Americans experience theft of identity. • The money lost due to identity theft across the globe runs into billions of dollars.
• Identity theft, being a relatively recent crime, states have enacted specific laws that target this type of activity. • Identity theft conduct can take different forms. For example:
– Someone accesses your bank account information and steals cash or sells the information to a buyer.
– Someone steals your credit card and purchases something on the internet or in a physical store. – Someone accesses your email account, steals personal information, and uses it for various purposes such as for opening a cell phone account.
– Unscrupulous persons can steal your personal identifying information and use it for devious ends. Personal identifying information can include your personal details (name, date of birth and address), credit card number, driving license number, and more.
Crime of Robbery
• Similar to theft, robbery involves taking property without consent. • However, in this case, the act involves use of force or intimidation of force. • During robbery the victim is present, because the act entails taking property directly from the victim. • An example is when persons armed with guns enter a bank or a house, use threat of force and take money or valuables.
Penalties
• In case of theft, the crime can be considered either a felony or misdemeanor. • Theft convictions can carry a wide range of punishments depending on the state. In some states, the conviction can be 7-10 years prison time with also a fine.
• Robbery is considered a more serious crime than theft. That is why in most cases robbery is considered a felony resulting in hefty prison sentence. • It is not uncommon for an armed robbery conviction to result in a sentence up to 20 years in a prison. Punishments for thefts and robbery can vary from state to state. If you want to know about laws in Maryland, consult top Maryland criminal lawyers attorneys.
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