Robbery And Burglary

Robbery and Burglary Crimes Defined by Federal Criminal Lawyer

Robbery and burglary are both crimes that involve taking property that belongs to someone else. However, there are differences between the two offenses. It is important to understand laws on robbery and burglary if you are accused of either crime.

It is also important to understand the difference between state laws on burglary and federal laws on burglary. While these types of theft are illegal under both state and federal law, most people are prosecuted for state crimes because federal jurisdiction is more limited and because federal prosecutors and law enforcement agencies don’t typically become involved in run-of-the-mill burglary or robbery cases.

If you are charged with a federal robbery or burglary defense, your approach to responding to charges will necessarily be different than the approach of a person who is charged with a state level offense. Not all attorneys can represent you in federal court, and many lack the knowledge to be effective advocates who can help you to protect your future.

LV Criminal Defense can provide the help and support that you need if you live in Arizona, California, Utah, Nevada, Oregon, or surrounding areas. We can work closely with you to fight for your freedom or to help you to get the charges reduced or get a lesser penalty during a plea negotiation.

We know the federal laws on robbery and burglary very well and our extensive knowledge of the federal criminal justice system will help you to navigate your prosecution as effectively as possible to end up with a not guilty verdict or with the minimum possible penalties. To find out more about how our firm can help you, give us a call today.

Federal Laws on Robbery and Burglary

Federal criminal laws on robbery and burglary are found in 18 U.S. Code Chapter 103. There are nine statutes within 18 U.S. Code Chapter 103 that define circumstances in which the federal government could prosecute you for robbery or burglary. These statutes include the following:

• 18 U.S. Code section 2111 – Special maritime and territorial jurisdiction: This statute imposes up to 15 years imprisonment for taking items of value by force, violence, intimidation or threat while in the special jurisdiction of the United States.
• 18 U.S. Code section 2112 – Personal property of United States: This statute imposes a penalty of up to 15 years for taking personal property belonging to the United States.
• 18 U.S. Code section 2113 – Bank robbery and incidental crimes: This statute imposes a penalty of up to 20 years for robbery or burglary from a bank, and also imposes penalties for taking items in the custody of a bank, receiving or possessing property belonging to a bank or financial institution, or attempting to commit these offenses.
• 18 U.S. Code section 2114 – Mail, money, or other property of United States: Assaulting someone with intent to rob property of the United States, mail, or money is prohibited by this statute and a penalty of up to 25 years is imposed. Up to 10 years imprisonment can also result under this statute for receiving, concealing, or disposing mail, money, or property of the U.S. that was taken unlawfully.
• 18 U.S. Code section 2115 – Post office: Forcibly breaking into a post office, or trying to, in order to commit larceny or other depredation can result in a fine and up to five years imprisonment under this statute.
• 18 U.S. Code section 2116 – Railway or steamboat post office: Up to three years imprisonment is imposed for entering a post office car, steamboat, or other vessel being used for mail service if the entry is violent or involves malicious assault or interference with a postal clerk.
• 18 U.S. Code section 2117 – Breaking or entering carrier facilities: breaking or entering into railroad cars or carrier facilities can result in up to 10 years imprisonment, unless the offense involves specific conduct such as taking a pre-retail medical product in which penalties under other statutes apply.
• 18 U.S. Code section 2118 – Robberies and burglaries involving controlled substances: This statute imposes penalties for taking controlled substances. Penalties vary based on the specific conduct and items taken.
• 18 U.S. Code section 2119 – Motor vehicles: This statute imposes a penalty of up to 15 years for taking a motor vehicle transported or shipped in interstate or foreign commerce if the vehicle is taken from another by force or threat. Attempts are also punished. Penalties are harsher if death or serious bodily injury results.

A federal defense attorney can provide assistance to any defendant accused of burglary, robbery, or related offenses. An attorney can help defendants to fight charges and to understand the specific elements of the crime the prosecutor would need to prove to secure conviction.

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