Every day, police in the Minneapolis area arrest residents for a variety of criminal offenses — some more severe than others. Quite a few tend to find themselves charged with theft, burglary or robbery. The consequences, if convicted, can be significant. If you’ve found yourself facing one of these charges, what you do now will directly affect your future.
How are these offenses different?
Many people think that theft, burglary and robbery are the same things, but they aren’t. Theft is simply taking another person’s property. Burglary involves entering a person’s property without permission to commit a crime. Finally, robbery involves taking a person’s property by force or threat of force.
The consequences
The consequences if convicted on any of these charges vary but often involve jail time, fines and probation. Punishment severity typically depends on the value of the items stolen, if any victims were harmed and if weapons were used — among other things. Every case is different, and the courts look at case details to determine the appropriate punishment if prosecuting attorneys achieve a conviction.
Fight for the best possible outcome
When charged with theft, burglary or robbery, it is easy to feel that fighting the charges is a hopeless cause. It isn’t, though. There are a number of defense strategies that may prove effective in your case, helping you achieve a case dismissal, a reduction in charges or alternative sentencing. Legal counsel can review your case and let you know your options. If you want to learn how an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you protect and defend yourself, please take a moment and visit our firm’s website.