Burglary, Robbery & Theft
BATON ROUGE TRIAL LAWYERS
Experienced Criminal Defense for Burglary, Robbery and Theft Charges in Louisiana.
Burglary VS. Robbery in Louisiana
Under Louisiana law, simple burglary is defined as the “is the unauthorized entering of any dwelling, vehicle, watercraft, or other structure, movable or immovable, or any cemetery, with the intent to commit a felony or any theft therein.” Simple robbery, on the other hand, is defined as “the taking of anything of value belonging to another from the person of another or that is in the immediate control of another, by use of force or intimidation, but not armed with a dangerous weapon.” Both can be aggravated or have other enhancing factors that increase the possible penalties.
In simple terms, burglary involves the breaking into your property while robbery involves theft of your person using force. Robbery is considered a violent crime against another person because it involves the use of force.
Theft Offenses in Louisiana
Theft Punishment Ranges
Value of Property | Charge | Punishment |
Less than $1,000 | Misdemeanor | 0-6 months in jail, fine up to $1,000 |
$1,000 – $4,999 | Felony | 0-5 years in jail, fine up to $3,000 |
$5,000 – $24,999 | Felony | 0-10 years, fine up to $10,000 |
$25,000 or more | Felony | 0-20 years, fine up to $50,000 |
Theft is an enhanceable offense in Louisiana meaning that a second or third conviction can carry increased penalties. In addition to any penalty imposed the defendant is also likely to be ordered to pay restitution. Additionally, victims of theft crimes can pursue civil charges against any a person on any theft charges to help reimburse the loss of their stolen items.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
No. It is not necessary to enter a home by force to commit burglary. All that is required is that you entered without authorization with the intention to commit a felony or a misdemeanor theft.
- You were on probation at the time you were searched
- You were suspected of committing a felony and there was no time to obtain a warrant
- The officer saw you commit the crime.
- The evidence was in “plain view” from outside of your car or some other location
Baton Rouge Theft Defense Lawyers are here to help
If you have been charged with robbery, burglary, or any theft crime, it is important to contact a skilled theft attorney as soon as you are able. Theft crimes can be difficult to sort out on your own and involve a number of different fact patterns and scenarios. Multiple offenses may even be charged together if they are all part of the overall same criminal act. Contact Big River Trial Attorneys today and speak with one of our experienced Baton Rouge criminal defense lawyers to discuss the best strategy to tackle your case. Call (225) 963-9638 today!