What is The Difference Between Theft and Robbery?

 Posted on February 10, 2025 in Robbery and Carjacking

Theft and robbery are two closely related offenses. Both involve the illegal taking of another person’s property. However, robbery is considered a violent crime, while theft is considered a mere property crime. This usually means that robbery is punished much more harshly than simple theft. The main difference between theft and robbery is that robbery involves using force or threat of force to deprive another person of his or her property. Theft is usually carried out while the property owner is not present or at least is not actively watching his belongings. Robbery is only charged when the property was taken forcibly from the owner or when the offender threatened to use force to get the owner to give up his or her property. If you are facing robbery, theft, or burglary charges, you need an experienced Towson, MD criminal defense lawyer. All of these charges can result in substantial jail time and should be taken seriously.

Robbery is Committed by Force, Violence, or Intimidation 

Robbery is essentially theft with the presence of force, violence, or intimidation against the owner of the stolen property or someone else who was holding the property with the owner’s permission. You do not need to use actual force to commit robbery - simply threatening or intentionally intimidating the victim into handing over property is considered robbery.

For example, say that you see a woman sitting on a bench with her purse next to her, reading a book. While she is distracted, you quickly grab her purse and run away. This would most likely be considered mere theft, as you did not interact with the victim in any way. Compare this to a situation where you see the same woman, but she is holding her purse tightly in her lap. You run up and pin her down with one arm, wrestle the purse out of her grasp, and run away. This would most likely be treated as robbery because you used force to remove the victim’s property. The victim does not need to be injured so long as force is used or threatened.

Intimidation is a little different than a direct threat of force. Saying, "Give me your purse, or I will shoot you," while holding a gun would be robbery by the threat of force. This would likely be charged as a felony due to the use of a weapon as well.

Robbery by intimidation is often carried out by two or more people working together. Imagine the same situation with a woman sitting alone on a bench. You and three other large male friends surround the woman, blocking her from walking away. You say, "Give me your purse now." This would likely be considered robbery by intimidation. While you did not directly threaten to hurt the woman if she did not surrender her purse, you created the implication that force would be used if she did not comply.

Contact a Towson, MD Defense Attorney

Seger Law, LLC is committed to providing top-quality criminal defense services. Aggressive Baltimore County, MD violent crimes lawyer Chelsey Seger will work to have your charges reduced or dismissed. Contact us at 443-208-4692 for a complimentary consultation.