What Are the Differences Between Theft and Robbery?

Theft and robbery both describe the unlawful taking of someone else’s property. However, robbery is a more serious crime than theft as it involves elements of violence like the use of force, deadly weapons or threats, which can result in physical and psychological injuries to the victim.

If you were arrested for theft and are now facing either theft or robbery charges, hiring a skilled criminal defense lawyer may have a positive impact on the outcome of your case.

What Is Theft?

Theft relates to stealing another person’s or entity’s tangible or intangible belongings, services or money. Some common examples of theft include:

• Shoplifting: stealing merchandise from a store
• Car theft: Stealing someone else’s motor vehicle
• Pickpocketing: Sneaking up on someone and stealing their wallet, purse, cell phone or other valuables
• Embezzlement: Stealing money from an employer
• Identity theft: Obtaining someone’s personal information like their credit card number or Social Security Number to commit fraud
• Intellectual property theft: Stealing someone’s copyrighted material
• Package theft: Stealing packages from porches and doorsteps before recipients can recover them

What Is Robbery?

Robbery also relates to stealing another person’s or entity’s belongings and money. What makes robbery different from and more severe than theft is the use of physical or psychological violence (including the threat of violence) in the act of stealing.

For example, a bank robbery that takes place during the day usually involves the use of force, verbal threats and weapons to control the situation, intimidate customers and force the employees to hand over money and valuables.

A robbery gone wrong, meaning one where threats of violence escalated into actual violence, can have tragic and life-long consequences for victims and their families. Law enforcement obviously wants to discourage this form of conduct, so even if no one is injured during a robbery, perpetrators will still be charged with the more serious robbery offense if caught.

Penalties for Theft in Arizona

In Arizona, the punishment for theft largely depends on the value of the property or services stolen. The classification of offenses ranges from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a Class 2 felony.

• Class 1 misdemeanor: Value of stolen property is less than $1000. Examples include shoplifting, pickpocketing and package theft. Offenders face up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $2500.

• Class 6 felony: Value of stolen property is anywhere from $1000 to $1999. Examples include stealing jewelry and sports equipment. A Class 6 felony carries a prison sentence of six months to two years.

• Class 5 felony: Value of stolen property is anywhere from $2000 to $2999. Penalties includes six months to 2.5 years in prison.

• Class 4 felony: Value of stolen property ranges from $3000 to $3999. Identity theft is also classified as a Class 4 felony. Offenders can expect to spend anywhere from one year to 1.75 years in prison.

• Class 3 felony: Value of stolen property ranges from $4000 to $24,999. A common example of Class 3 felony theft is car theft. Punishment for a Class 3 felony carries a prison sentence of two to 8.75 years in prison.

• Class 2 felony: Is reserved for the most severe forms of theft where value of stolen property exceeds $25,000. Potential prison sentences range from three years to 12.5 years.

You may also be ordered to pay a fine of up to $150,000 regardless of which type of felony you committed.

Penalties for Robbery in Arizona

Unlike theft, the class of felony charged for robbery isn’t dependent on the value of stolen property or services. Instead, prosecutors recommend the severity of punishment based on the degree of violence used to commit the act.

In most cases, robbery is a Class 4 felony, carrying a prison sentence of one to 3.75 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000.

However, if the offender was armed with or used a deadly weapon to harm and/or intimidate their victims, they could be charged with armed robbery. Armed robbery is a Class 2 felony punishable by a prison sentence ranging from three to 12.5 years and a maximum fine of $150,000.

Are You Facing Theft or Robbery Charges in Phoenix, Arizona?

A conviction for theft or robbery could change your life forever. Not only will you likely spend time in prison, but the felony will stay on your record forever, which may seriously interfere with your ability to find a good job, secure housing and enjoy a successful and fulfilling future.

Arizona board-certified criminal defense attorney Michael Alarid has years of experience defending people accused of theft crimes and is here to help you with your defense strategy.

To discuss your case with Mr. Alarid, call our Phoenix law office at (602) 818-3110.