The crime of robbery happens in different ways. People can rob places of business or homes. They also steal from each other. If an individual decides to snatch an old lady’s purse, then it’s robbery. People who are bold (or foolish enough) to hold up a gas station, they too are committing robbery. When a person robs a place or someone in Texas, they will be prosecuted by the established statues and rules. Bennett & Bennett, a Houston, TX based law firm headed by a top Texas criminal defense lawyer named Mark W. Bennett, has a history of successfully defending people accused of theft related criminal offense like robbery, burglary, and shoplifting.
Remember that robberies are typically classified as property related crimes. Regardless if they are car jackings, check stealing or any other type of incident. If a person’s property is being stolen, then it is a robbery. Also, do not forget that robbery is done with force or weapons. If force or a weapon is not being used to take a person’s property, it is classified as a burglary or theft. More information about these differences will be presented later in this article.
It should also be pointed out that robbery is a common crime in Texas. The fact is that many people are robbed within this state. According to FBI statistics, at least 162 residents (for every 1000 people) can expect to be robbed. This is among the highest robbery rates for any region within the U.S. Texas does have some high crime states for many of the cities throughout the U.S. The crimes committed here often overlap with other types of offenses. Robbery is often one vehicle used to support other types of illegal activities.
Defining the Different Types of Robbery Crimes
First off, robbery is defined by the use of force or weapons to take another person’s property. That property can be physical or intellectual. The use of force makes robbery a very dangerous crime that comes with stiff penalties. Texas has some of the stiffest penalties in the country for this type of crime.
Burglary is a form of robbery, but it does not involve the use of force or weapons. This type of crime is often carried out without directly confronting a person to obtain their property. This is usually done without a person’s knowledge. Keep in mind that armed robbery involves the use of a weapon. Aggravated robbery happens when a person carries an object that could be considered a weapon.
Other types of robberies are classified as extortion, larceny, auto theft, bank robbery, piracy and looting. All of these crimes can be defined as a form of robbery. Texas laws have penalties for each of these types of illegal activities. However, if a person chooses to rob someone with force or a weapon then the penalties will be stiff. If someone is killed during a robbery, then the perpetrator will suffer the consequences.
Criminal Penalties for Committing an Act of Robbery
When a person commits aggravated or armed robbery they can receive up to 99 years in prison. At the very least they will get 5. If someone is killed during the process of a robbery they can be charged with murder as well. A person committed for robbery will not receive parole unless a judge warrants this action. This crime is also classified as a second – degree felony and fines up to $10,000 can be charged.
Burglary charges typically care a sentence up to 20 years and $10,000 in property crimes. This type of property crime is judged according to a person’s past record, the actions taken within the crime and according to the item(s) that were stolen from an individual.
Why do people commit burglaries in Texas?
Burglaries are committed for a number of different reasons. Many people rob places to get money to support a drug habit or to get money to help their financial situation. Some people make robbery a career choice. This is a very unusual line of work, but it does happen.
Property crimes are high because there is a lucrative business for stolen items within Texas. People often pawn and sell items, or they fence the goods in an underground economy. Keep in mind that people who sell or receive any type of stolen property will be charged with theft if they are caught for this crime.
People Convicted of these Crimes should get Legal Council
Constitutionally speaking, you have the right to an attorney. You should not dismiss this right. If you cannot afford to hire an attorney, the courts will appoint one to you by law. Since you are entitled to having a defense lawyer, then you should take advantage of this benefit. It could be a serious mistake for any defendant to go into a court room and try to defend themselves against a robbery charge.
If you are guilty, you still deserve the right to counsel. A good lawyer could possibly help you to get your charges reduced or even get you less time in jail if convicted. An attorney could also help to reduce the number of fines you might have to pay. If a lawyer knows a judge, they could also help to influence the magistrate’s decision in the outcome of your case. The fact is that your legal outcome will be significantly better with the aid of a lawyer.
There are other defenses that attorneys could use to help you once you have been charged with this crime. If you are wrongly accused of this charge a good lawyer could help to defend you. If you are drunk and rob someone while intoxicated, there is a slim chance that you will be able to have the charges dropped. Sometimes a person could be forced to rob a place or someone. This does happen and if this type of situation has happened to you, get an attorney to prove your case.
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