Many people use the term “theft” to broadly describe a number of crimes involving stealing property. However, there are clear differences between such crimes. Burglary and robbery, for example, are not the same. Each has a different legal definition in addition to its own specific punishments. Here are the three most common theft-related crimes:
- Larceny. Larceny has the broadest description of any theft-related crime, and in Virginia, larceny describes any non-specific theft crime. The term “larceny” has no general definition in Virginia law, though it is assumed to be the unlawful taking of property with intent to permanently separate the person from his or her property. Numerous specific larcenies are defined to include larceny of bank notes and checks, larceny of specific animals, shoplifting, and receiving stolen goods. As in most states, the punishments for larceny are largely determined by the amount stolen, usually categorized as grand larceny (greater than $200) or petit larceny (less than $200).
- Burglary. Burglary is breaking and entering with the intent to commit larceny or some other crime. Any home invasion can be considered burglary, whether or not anything was stolen. The intent to commit a crime and the act of unlawfully entering someone else’s property are enough to convict a person of burglary.
- Robbery. This term refers to the crime of taking a person’s property through the use or threat of violence. Causing physical harm to a person or threatening him or her with firearms while taking their property constitutes first-degree robbery, and is punishable in Virginia by no less than three years in prison, and up to 10 years or life. Second-degree robbery is punishable by up to 5-18 years, and involves the threat of force or violence to take a person’s property.
To learn more about theft crimes and punishment in Virginia, contact Faraji A. Rosenthall Attorneys at Law today.
