Theft, robbery and burglary are all crimes that involve taking someone else’s property without their permission. In Missouri, these crimes are punishable by fines and maybe imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense.
Understanding the basics of these three different crimes may help the accused understand the charges and build a stronger criminal defense.
Theft
Theft is the taking of someone else’s property with the intent to deprive them of it permanently. The punishment for theft in Missouri depends on the property’s value. A class A misdemeanor means the value of the stolen property is less than $500 and can result in up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. If the value exceeds $500, the crime becomes a class D felony which may result in four years of imprisonment with fines of up to $5,000.
Robbery
Robbery involves the use of force or the threat of force to take someone’s property. This can include holding up a store or mugging someone on the street. In Missouri, robbery is a class B felony and can result in up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000.
Burglary
Burglary is an unlawful entry into a building with the intent to commit a crime inside. This can include breaking and entering a house or office to steal something. In Missouri, burglary is a class D felony and can result in up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. These charges might increase if the accused used a weapon in the commission of the crime or if someone sustained injuries.
Understanding the charges can help one work to get the best possible outcome in your case.