What is the difference between a burglary and robbery in Indiana?

When someone uses the words burglary and robbery, that person may think, or you may even believe that they mean the same thing. However, although these two words are closely related, they are actually different crimes. So, what is the difference between a burglary and a robbery? Our Indiana criminal law attorneys are breaking down the differences, how the law defines the two, and the seriousness of burglaries and robberies. 

What is the difference between a burglary and robbery in Indiana?

We must first define these terms to understand the seriousness of these crimes. 

What is burglary?

A burglary is when a person enters or breaks into a structure intending to steal or theft. In Indiana, the slightest movement of a door or window is considered “breaking and considered a burglary.  

A burglary in Indiana is a felony. There are five levels to a burglary felony. Here is the breakdown and how a person could be charged with a burglary felony. 

Level 5: A level five burglary felony is when someone has broken into a non-residence. This felony is punishable anywhere from one to six years. 

Level 4: Level four burglary felony means someone has broken into a home or residence. This felony is punishable from two to twelve years. 

Level 3: The burglary becomes a level three felony if, during the home break-in, someone was hurt or injured. This felony is punishable from three to sixteen years. 

Level 2: The burglary becomes a level three felony if, during the home break-in, someone was hurt or injured by using a deadly weapon, resulting in serious bodily injury. This felony is punishable from ten to thirty years. 

Level 1: The burglary is a level 1 felony, punishable by twenty to forty years if the property (non-residence or resident) is broken and results in serious bodily injury to any person other than the defendant. 

Please click here to learn more about how we can help you if you have been arrested for a burglary charge in Terra Haute, Indiana.

What is a robbery?

Robbery is the crime of taking a person’s property or money by force, violence, or intimidation, with the intent of permanently withholding such property from them. A robbery typically does not involve a structure and is considered a violent crime.  

A robbery in Indiana is also a felony. Here is the breakdown and how a person could be charged with a robbery felony in Indiana. 

Level 5: A level five robbery felony is when someone commits a robbery against another person. This felony is punishable by up to six years.

Level 3: The robbery becomes a level three felony, also called an armed robbery, if a person uses a deadly weapon to commit the robbery. This felony is punishable by up to sixteen years. 

Level 2: The robbery is a level two felony, punishable by ten to thirty years if the robbery results in serious bodily injury to any person other than the defendant. 

Please click here to learn more about how we can help you if you have been arrested for a robbery charge in Terra Haute, Indiana.

Understanding the difference between a burglary and a robbery

The main difference between a burglary and a robbery is that a burglary means it requires that someone has entered a structure, dwelling, or residence, with the intent to take something. A burglary doesn’t always mean a threat of violence. However, a robbery involves taking someone else’s property, usually by force or threat of force or violence.

Terre Haute’s defense attorney for burglary and robbery charges

The Terre Haute criminal defense attorneys at Rowdy Williams Law Firm, P.C., have dedicated their careers to helping their clients fight criminal charges such as burglary and robbery. 

We have helped over a thousand clients understand the nature of their charges and develop case theories based on their cases’ specific facts and circumstances. 

Rowdy G. Williams Law Firm has over 25 years of experience in Vigo County.

At Rowdy G. Williams Law Firm, we are committed to ensuring that our clients can overcome the difficult legal obstacles they may not be prepared to face without help. Your case is our case.

If you are faced with bankruptcy or criminal charges or need a family law attorney in Terre Haute, Indiana, contact us for a free consultation or call at 812-232-7400. We are here to listen and provide the support and guidance you need.