Robbery vs Burglary in Virginia

Robbery and Burglary in Virginia are often used interchangeably, but these are in fact very different offenses.  For more information on Robbery vs Burglary in Virginia, read the post below.

Robbery vs Burglary in Virginia

Robbery in Virginia is taking property from a person (or his presence) by force, violence, threats, or intimidation with the intent to permanently deprive an owner of his property.  Burglary in Virginia is breaking and entering another person’s dwelling house at night to commit a larceny or felony.

Robbery vs Burglary in Virginia

There are many important differences between Robbery and Burglary in Virginia, including proof of breaking and entering, the intent of the offender, whether theft was involved, the location of the offense, the time of the offense, and the possible penalty range.

Robbery vs Burglary in Virginia: Breaking and Entering

An offender can be convicted of a Virginia Robbery without any proof of a breaking and entering, but the Commonwealth MUST prove a breaking and entering to convict an offender of Burglary in Virginia.

Robbery vs Burglary in Virginia: Intent

An offender commits a Robbery in Virginia if he actually took property from another person intending to deprive an owner of his property permanently.  However, Burglary requires a breaking and entering with an intent to commit a larceny or felony.  An offender does not need to actually commit a larceny (or felony) to be convicted of a Virginia Burglary.

Robbery vs Burglary in Virginia: Theft

Robbery in Virginia requires proof of theft, whereas an offender can be convicted of a Burglary in Virginia even if he did not commit or intend to commit a theft at all.

Robbery vs Burglary in Virginia: Location

Robbery in Virginia can be committed at any location, but Burglary can only be committed against a dwelling house.

Robbery vs Burglary in Virginia: Time

Robbery can be committed at any time of the day, but an offender can only be convicted of Burglary for breaking and entering at night with felonious intent.

Robbery vs Burglary in Virginia: Penalty

Robbery in Virginia is punished with 5 years up to life in prison and Burglary in Virginia is punished with 5-20 years in prison.

For more information on Robbery in Virginia, click here.

For more information on Burglary in Virginia, click here.

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