How are robbery and burglary different from each other?

Robbery and burglary both fall under the broad category of theft. However, as FindLaw explains, they are two separate crimes for which the prosecutor must prove different things in order to convict you.

Consequently, knowing the differences between the two can help you understand the prosecution process if you face charges for one or the other.

Robbery

A charge of robbery means that the prosecutor must prove that you used to fear, intimidation or some kind of force to take your alleged victim’s property without his or her consent. A robbery charge can be either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the value of the property you allegedly took.

Louisiana law also provides for armed robbery, always a felony charge. Here the prosecutor must prove not only that you committed robbery, but that you used a dangerous weapon, such as a gun or a knife while doing so.

Burglary

While robbery is all about what you allegedly took and how you took it, most types of burglary are all about you allegedly illegally entering a building with the intent to commit a crime once inside. Stealing does not necessarily need to be the crime in question.

Louisiana law provides for the following types of burglary:

• Residential burglary
• Commercial burglary
• Burglary involving the use of a deadly weapon

In addition, you can face a burglary charge if you allegedly illegally enter a vehicle, vessel or cargo container with the intention of stealing the contents.

A burglary charge can be either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on whether you allegedly committed an assault and battery while engaged in your alleged burglary, caused property damage or possessed explosives or a weapon while allegedly burglarizing your target.