Burglary charges and Robbery charges are sometimes used interchangeably by people; however, they are different criminal charges with different punishments. The lawyers at the O’Malley Law Office discuss the criminal charges of Burglary and Robbery. They will discuss why it is important to have an experienced criminal defense attorney at your side when going to the Weld County Courthouse, and how to get the best outcome in your criminal case.
Legal Definition of Burglary, C.R.S. 18-4-202, in Greeley, Colorado
The legal definition of Burglary, C.R.S. 18-4-202, in Greeley is:
A person commits first degree burglary if the person knowingly enters unlawfully, or remains unlawfully after a lawful or unlawful entry, in a building or occupied structure with intent to commit therein a crime, other than trespass as defined in this article, against another person or property, and if in effecting entry or while in the building or occupied structure or in immediate flight therefrom, the person or another participant in the crime assaults or menaces any person, the person or another participant is armed with explosives, or the person or another participant uses a deadly weapon or possesses and threatens the use of a deadly weapon.
Weld County Definition of Robbery, C.R.S. 18-4-301
The Weld County definition of Robbery, C.R.S. 18-4-301, is:
A person who knowingly takes anything of value from the person or presence of another by the use of force, threats, or intimidation commits robbery.
What is the Difference Between a Robbery Charge and Burglary Charge in Eaton, Greeley and Windsor, Colorado?
In Eaton, Greeley and Windsor Colorado, Robbery can be charged if something of value is stolen from the presence of another by threat, force, or intimidation. Burglary can be charged when there is illegal entry into a home or business, and no one needs to be present. Both Robbery and Burglary can be charged if you break into a business or home and then demand money and valuables by threats, force or intimidation, including at gunpoint, from the occupants of the home. Robbery is more of a crime of violence involving a person, while Burglary is a property crime.
Penalties and Sentences for Burglary and Robbery in Weld County
First and Second-Degree Burglary are a felony in Weld County and Third-Degree Burglary is a class 2 misdemeanor. 1st or 2nd Degree Burglary penalties can range from 4 – 48 years in a Colorado State Prison with a fine of between $3,000 and $1,000,000. 3rd Degree Burglary penalties can be up to 364 days in the Weld County Jail and/or up to $1,000 in fines.
Robbery is a class 4 felony in Greeley and is punishable with 2-6 years in a Colorado State Prison and up to $500,000 in fines. If a deadly weapon is used, the crime is called Aggravated Robbery, and the penalty increases significantly.
Why Hire a Top Greeley, Colorado, Defense Attorney for a Burglary Charge or Robbery Charge?
Are you facing Burglary or Robbery Charges in Greeley or Weld County? Hiring a top criminal defense attorney is important for your case. The attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office have over 30 years of experience defending Burglary and Robbery cases. Often, Burglary and Robbery charges can be combined with other criminal charges. Our defense attorneys will fight for the best outcome in your case, including reduced charges, probation or a dismissal.
If you or someone you love has been charged with a Burglary or Robbery accusation and are headed to the Weld County Courthouse, be smart, and exercise your right to remain silent. Then, contact the best Greeley criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009. Together, we can protect your future.
The location for the Weld County Courthouse is 901 9th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
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