As many individuals work hard for money and the things they earn, many states, including Oklahoma, consider theft crimes egregious offenses. However, many are unfamiliar with the differences between burglary and robbery. As such, if you are facing either of these charges, it’s important to understand what constitutes each of these offenses and the penalties you can face if convicted. Additionally, you’ll discover how an Oklahoma City felony defense lawyer can help you fight the charges.

What Is the Difference Between Burglary and Robbery?

Unfortunately, most people conflate burglary and robbery, assuming they refer to the same crime. However, this is far from the truth, as these crimes, though they are both considered theft crimes, have many differences.

In Oklahoma, burglary is charged to those who illegally break and enter into someone else’s property to commit a felony offense. However, the severity of this crime depends on the circumstances surrounding the offense. For example, if you break and enter into an occupied home, it is a first-degree burglary, while breaking into any other type of structure is considered a second-degree burglary.

Robbery, on the other hand, occurs when you use force to take someone else’s property from them. Like burglary, the severity of this charge depends on the circumstances of the crime. If you cause serious bodily harm, it will be charged as a first-degree felony, while second-degree occurs when bodily harm is not present.

What Are the Penalties for These Offenses?

Both first- and second-degree burglary and first- and second-degree robbery are felony offenses.

If you are charged with first-degree burglary, you will face seven to twenty years in prison, while a second-degree robbery warrants a two to seven-year sentence. It’s also important to note that a first-degree charge is considered an 85% crime, while a second-degree offense is not.

First-degree robbery, on the other hand, constitutes a minimum of ten years in prison, while a second-degree charge carries a maximum of ten years upon conviction.

What Should I Do if I’m Facing a Theft Charge?

As you can see, the charges for robbery or burglary charge can be intense. As such, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney who can help guide you through these complex matters.

Unfortunately, trying to navigate a felony defense on your own can be an incredibly complicated matter as there are many considerations you’ll need to make. For example, you may make errors that can impact the outcome of your case or you may be unaware of what defenses you can rely on to help fight the charges against you.

At the Jones Firm, PLLC, we understand that facing a felony offense can be complex and scary. That’s why our team is committed to fighting for the best possible outcome for your unique circumstances. Connect with us today to learn how we can guide you through these times.