Although the three terms sound similar, there are significant differences between theft, robbery, and fraud. Even though they all involve taking property from another person without consent, they are three distinct crimes with different consequences if you are convicted.
What Is Theft?
Theft is taking someone else’s property without permission. You can also be accused of theft if you purchase property that you know was stolen.
In Texas, when the property has a value of less than $2,500, you may be charged with a Class A, B, or C misdemeanor, which comes with a sentence of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000. The consequences are more severe when the property value is higher than $2,500: you could face a first-, second-, or third-degree felony or a state felony. This may incur a larger fine and several years in state prison.
What Is Robbery?
Like theft, robbery involves taking property from another person. The difference is that someone other than the defendant suffers bodily harm, is threatened, or is placed in fear of imminent harm or death in the process. The harm can be intentional or due to reckless behavior. Robbery charges in Texas can result in a second-degree felony, which incurs between two and 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
A more serious form of robbery is aggravated robbery. For such a charge, there must be proof that the defendant either:
- Caused serious bodily injury
- Used or displayed a deadly weapon
- Injured or threatened someone who was aged 65 or above or disabled
This charge leads to a first-degree felony, five to 99 years in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000.
What Is Fraud?
Finally, fraud is defined as using deception to take money from another person or to achieve some kind of personal gain. Each type of fraud incurs a different punishment, ranging from prison sentences of less than two years to 99 years and fines of up to $10,000. Some examples of fraud include the following.
- Credit card fraud — Both using a credit or debit card that belongs to someone else without permission and using an expired or invalid card are considered credit card fraud.
- Identity theft — Stealing someone’s personal information is identity theft. The aim may be to obtain money or gain some other type of value.
- Health care fraud — Patients can commit health care fraud if they provide incorrect information, whereas medical providers may be charged if they file false claims to an insurance company. Medicare fraud is a federal offense and therefore has the severest repercussions.
Receive Representation For Theft, Fraud, And Robbery Charges
It’s important to know the difference between theft, fraud, or robbery charges to understand why you are facing a particular charge. You also need an experienced defense attorney to represent you. Contact Vinas and Graham for the representation you deserve and follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with information about your rights.
