With the Seahawks signing of Terrion Arnold this past week (amid his 8 felony charges that could put him in prison for life, if convicted) it raises the question – what is the difference between burglary and robbery? In Washington, our statutes define Burglary as entering or remaining in a building without permission and with intent to commit a crime therein. Conversely, Robbery is a crime that involves taking property (with force) from a person rather than from a building. Burglary does not require a victim to be present or aware; it can even happen in an empty building. Robbery requires a victim to be present, as the property is taken directly from their person or in their immediate presence. For each crime, there are levels, which is simply to say there are more, or less, serious ways to commit these crimes. In other words, the higher the level, the greater the punishment, if convicted. For example, committing a Burglary with a weapon raises it from a Burglary in the second degree to a Burglary in the first degree. The same is true for Robbery. Lest it be said, both Burglary and Robbery are felonies in Washington. Thus, if convicted of either crime, a person is facing prison time, the loss to possess a firearm(s) and the right to vote.
If you or a loved one is in a bind as a result of a criminal charge, immediately contact a Seattle Criminal Attorney. A Criminal lawyer is not going to judge you and understands that everyone makes mistakes. Hiring a Seattle Criminal Lawyer to help can – at a minimum – reduce penalties and can help direct people on how to best deal with their criminal charge, and many times even get them dismissed. So, it should go without saying that someone cited for a misdemeanor or felony should hire a qualified Seattle Criminal Lawyer as soon as possible. Criminal charges can cause havoc on a person’s personal and professional life. Anyone charged with a crime in Washington State should immediately seek the assistance of a seasoned Seattle Criminal Lawyer. SQ Attorneys is the right call – (425) 359-3791 or (206) 441-0900.