You’re probably familiar with the terms “robbery” and “burglary” but if you’re like a lot of people, you may not understand the difference. When someone commits burglary, it means they entered a dwelling (a residence) for the purpose of committing theft. Robbery on the other hand, means to take property directly from someone by threat or force.
So, with burglary, the offender is usually breaking into a home to steal things, whereas with robbery, the offender is stealing something from another person, not a building. For example, if a man were to steal a woman’s purse that she was holding, or if he were to steal a man’s wallet, he would have committed “robbery” not burglary.
Robbery Under the Texas Penal Code
In Texas, robbery is criminalized under Section 29.02 of the Texas Penal Code. A person commits the offense of robbery if while in the course of committing theft, he or she:
- Intentionally causes bodily injury to another person, or
- Intentionally and knowingly threatens to hurt another person, or places that person in fear of bodily harm or death.
Robbery under Sec. 29.02 of the Penal Code is a felony of the second degree, punishable by a fine not to exceed $10,000 and by 2 to 20 years in prison.
Sec. 29.03 Aggravated Robbery
Robbery can be elevated to “aggravated robbery” when the defendant: 1) exhibits a deadly weapon, 2) uses a deadly weapon (e.g. a knife or firearm), 3) causes serious bodily injury to the robbery victim, or 4) causes or threatens serious bodily injury to the victim, who is disabled or 65-years-of-age or older.
Aggravated robbery under Sec. 29.03 is a felony of the first degree, punishable by a fine to exceed $10,000 and by 5 to 99 years in prison.
If you’re facing robbery charges, contact the Plano criminal defense lawyers at The Zendeh Del Law Firm, PLLC immediately for a hard-hitting defense.
