Law Office of Michael L. Fell
900 Roosevelt Irvine, CA 92620
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Learn the Difference Between Theft and Robbery in the California Legal System

It's natural why a person may mix together several types of theft crimes: Theft, robbery, and burglary are frequently addressed as if they are all the same thing. The fact is that they are quite different, and the implications of a conviction might be very different for them.

Continue reading to learn more about the distinctions between theft and robbery. If you have been charged with a crime or suspect that you will be, you should speak with a criminal defense attorney as quickly as possible. For a free legal consultation, call Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 right now.

The distinction between stealing and robbery is significant

According to the California Penal Code, there is one significant difference between robbery and theft: stealing does not always include person-to-person interaction, but robbery does. To be charged with and convicted of robbery, a person must have taken anything directly from another person. To be convicted of stealing, they must simply have stolen something that belongs to someone else, regardless of where the owner of the item was at the time the property was taken.

In California, there are two categories of theft

In California, there are two categories of theft: petty theft and grand theft. The major distinction is the monetary worth of what was taken. Petty theft refers to things worth less than $950, whereas grand theft refers to products worth more. Even if they are worth less than $950, several specified goods are always grounds for grand theft charges if taken. A car is a good example: it's always grand theft, even if the automobile isn't worth $100.

Theft penalties that might be imposed

A petty theft conviction can result in a fine of up to $1,000 and a sentence of up to six months in county prison. If the object was not worth $50, the prosecutor might choose to charge the offence as a misdemeanor or an infraction. If it's classified as an infraction, the maximum penalty is a $250 fine.

Grand theft is a crime that can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor. The prosecutor will have the last say on how it is charged, based on a variety of criteria. They'll examine the details of the offense, the defendant's criminal history, and other factors. Working to get felony charges reduced to minor charges is one method a criminal defense attorney may use to help their client.

Now that you know the difference between theft and robbery charges, as well as the repercussions of a theft conviction, call Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 for a free consultation. We can go through your options with you and provide you with the information and support you need to proceed. Give us a call right now and we'll get started straight away.