top of page

Larceny FAQs

What’s the difference between burglary and robbery?

People mistakenly use these terms somewhat interchangeably. A burglary is stealing a structure, whether it is a dwelling or a commercial structure. That means entering a building or a house unlawfully, or remaining unlawfully. A robbery is the taking of property by force from a person.

Everybody thinks about somebody breaking into a house, and that is the quintessential burglary. Another example is shoplifting from Macy’s or Best Buy, The store is not going to press charges; however, the person who shoplifted will have to sign an agreement saying they will never come back to the store or can’t come back for five years.

A robbery is what we see on the news. For example, somebody goes into Central Park and is accosted by a mugger with a gun. A robbery does not involve any kind of dwelling or structure.

New York does not consider a car a burglary. That is simply just a larceny or a theft of some kind. It could be criminal mischief depending on damage that is done, but New York is one of the states that does not consider a vehicle a dwelling.

Larceny FAQs

What’s the difference between burglary and robbery?
Judge and Gavel

Get Help Today

Free Initial Consultation

Thanks for submitting!

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

Privacy Policy

© 2020, Austin Law Associates

  • LinkedIn
bottom of page