There are many famous cases involving robbery. In fact, some famous robberies involved perpetrators that made off with large amounts of cash who were never apprehended by law enforcement.

 

 

There are specific robbers that are famous for their thefts due to the large amounts of cash stolen or the frequency of their crimes. For example, Butch Cassidy was a famous train robber that was credited with being the leader of the Hole in the Wall gang, which committed numerous successful robberies. In some robberies, the case is infamous simply based on the location where it took place, such as the Air France Robbery.

 

Most robbery cases fall under each State’s unique and specific criminal laws, only if Federal law does not apply to the crime. In fact, the Federal Government sometimes has jurisdiction over robbery cases.

For instance, robberies of specific institutions, such at the post office, fall under Federal jurisdiction. In any criminal case, Federal law supersedes State law. In essence, criminals are subject to any Federal charges before they face State laws.  

In both robbery and burglary, criminals often intend to steal property. However, burglary does not always include the added offense of theft. In fact, burglary in an inchoate crime, which is utilized to prepare for a number of additional offenses once the perpetrator has illegally gained access to a structure. Those offense can include crimes against property, or crimes against a person. 

 

 

Whereas, robbery always concludes with the theft of property utilizing the threat or violence or actual violence. In either case, the perpetrator may carry a weapon, which subsequently results in more serious charges. However, burglarsare not likely to reveal their weapon, as they generally do not come into contact with their victims. Robbery always includes some form of contact between the victim and the perpetrator.

 

 

Robbery often incurs more serious charges than burglary. However, the charges and sentence are dependent on several factors, including state and federal law. In addition, burglary, as an inchoate offense, can result in a number of differing proceeding offenses. If the proceeding offense is theft, the burglar is likely to face less serious charges than an individual that takes part in crimes against a person, such as assault. In addition, some crimes against property are more serious than others. 

 

 

For example, a burglar that commits arson, is going to face more serious charges than a burglar that steals property. Most of these distinctions are made by state laws. Yet, in some cases, federal law applies, depending on the nature of the crime. If federal laws apply, those laws supersede state laws and criminals must first answer the federal charges. Federal laws apply for robbery or burglary, in certain circumstances, such as financial institutions or post offices.  Robbery would also incur more serious charges than burglary, due to the more serious nature of the crime.

 

 

The major difference between burglary and robbery, is intent. The robber intents to steal property, utilizing the threat of violence, or actual violence. Whereas, the burglar's intent is not always as clear. Burglars intend to enter a structure, without permission. However, burglars can have varying intents once that portion of the crime has been committed. 

 

 

Statistically, burglars usually intend to steal property and never come into contact with their victim. However, some burglars intend more harm than robbers, as is the case with assault, kidnapping and murder. Both crimes are serious and perpetrators often face harsh prison sentences, especially if they have violated any federal laws.

 

While robbery generally includes certain characteristics, there are different types of robbery cases. In addition, there are differing types of robbery charges, depending on the nature of the crime. In general, robbery includes the theft of property, through the use of violence, or the threat of violence. 

 

 

Individual robbery cases will be assigned certain robbery charges based on the unique factors of the crime. For example, a robbery that results in the death or injury of a victim, is likely to include the most serious robbery charges prescribed by each state's criminal laws. Robbery charges will also be more severe, if the perpetrator brandished a weapon to achieve their desired results, even if the weapon was not actually used. 

 

 

Most robberies involve individuals that are robbed while in a public setting, such as on a street. Generally, robbery cases that involve groups of criminals, take place utilizing the threat of assault, or actual assault in the absence of a weapon. Victims are more likely to face a weapon if the robber is working alone. In fact, the most common weapon used to commit robbery, is a gun. In either case, robbery is a felony and the perpetrators will face serious criminal robbery charges. 

 

 

However, perpetrators that utilize weapons or force, in order to commit robbery, will likely face first degree robbery charges, especially if the victim suffered death or injury. Whereas, the robber that only utilizes the threat of violence, without causing any harm or carrying a weapon, will likely face a less severe prison sentence. 

 

 

Another type of robbery case involves home invasion. Whereas burglars generally try to avoid being confronted by their victims, robbers seek out entry when the victims are present in order to force victims to turn over all of their valuables. 

 

 

A burglar will search through the house, seeking valuables in the absence of advice from victims. Whereas, home invasion robberies involve the threat of violence, or actual violence in order to locate all of the valuables within the home. There are many other types of robbery cases. Often, robbery charges will vary depending on the tactics and intent of the perpetrators.

 

 

When robbers intend harm to their victims, they will face the most serious robbery charges. Robbery cases that include the use of force, or the presence of weapons, offer proof of intent and premeditation. If however, only a threat of violence was utilized to gain compliance by the victim, it would be more difficult to prove that the perpetrator intended harm. 

 

 

In that case, the perpetrator would face less serious robbery charges. In any case, robbery is a felony and the intent of the perpetrator only effects the length or prison sentence in a minuscule way. In fact, most state's criminal laws prescribe a minimum sentence for all robberies.