10 Feb

What are the Differences Between Theft and Robbery?

Theft is when you deprive the owner of goods or services without authority to do so. The charge is elevated to robbery when the theft occurs with violence, or threats of violence. For an in depth look at the crime of theft and its penalties, see our blog on theft here.

The basic penalties include:

Crime	Charge	Fine	Jail Time
Theft of goods under $1,000	First Degree Misdemeanor Petty Theft	$1,000	180 days
Theft of goods valued between $1,000 and $7,500	Fifth Degree Felony	$2,500	6 to 12 months
Theft of goods valued between $7500 to $150,000 or auto theft	Fourth Degree Felony Grand Theft	$5,000	6 to 18 months
Theft of goods valued between $150,000 and $750,000 or theft of a firearm or anhydrous ammonia	Third Degree Felony Aggravated Theft	$10,000	9 to 36 months
Theft of goods valued between $750,000 to $1.5 million	Second Degree Felony Aggravated Theft	$15,000	2 to 8 years

Under Ohio law, robbery occurs when any of the following happens in the commission of a theft:

Have a deadly weapon on or about the offender’s person or under the offender’s control (second degree felony);
Inflict, attempt to inflict, or threaten to inflict physical harm on another (second degree felony);
Use or threaten the immediate use of force against another (third degree felony).

Ohio law defines aggravated robbery as committing theft under these circumstances:

Having a deadly weapon on or about the offender’s person or under the offender’s control and either display the weapon, brandish it, indicate that the offender possesses it, or uses it;
Having a dangerous ordinance on or about the offender’s person or under the offender’s control;
Inflicting, or attempting to inflict, serious physical harm on another.

Aggravated robbery can also occur when a person takes a law enforcement officer’s weapon. Aggravated robbery is prosecuted as a first-degree felony.

Do you need a Columbus, Ohio Criminal Defense Attorney?

If you’ve been charged with any sort of theft or robbery offense in Ohio, get the expertise and experience to defend yourself against these serious charges. You should actively pursue clearing your record to the greatest extent possible. The most important component in your defense is to have the representation of a skilled Columbus, Ohio criminal defense lawyer who can help you navigate the treacherous legal landscape. The Maher Law Firm can help make sure that your rights are protected. Call The Maher Law Firm today for a free consultation at 614-205-2208 or contact us online.