{"id":391393,"date":"2026-02-10T08:48:21","date_gmt":"2026-02-10T13:48:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/?page_id=391393"},"modified":"2026-02-10T08:38:40","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T13:38:40","slug":"whats-the-difference-between-burglary-and-robbery","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/whats-the-difference-between-burglary-and-robbery.html","title":{"rendered":"What’s the Difference Between Burglary and Robbery?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What's the Difference Between Burglary and Robbery?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Robbery and burglary<\/span> are often used interchangeably, but this is inaccurate. They are distinct crimes with different elements and penalties. The key difference<\/span> is the use of force<\/span>, threats, or intimidation, which is required for robbery but not burglary<\/span>. This use of force<\/span> or threats puts robbery in the “violent crime<\/span>” category, which means it typically comes with higher penalties.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

In this article, we’ll explain the elements of robbery and burglary<\/span> as well as their potential penalties<\/span>. While we\u2019ll discuss general legal principles, be aware that specific definitions, elements, and penalties vary by state and jurisdiction. If you’re facing either charge, contact a criminal defense attorney<\/span><\/u><\/a>\u200b to understand your legal options.<\/p>\n

What Is Robbery?<\/h2>\n

Under federal law<\/u><\/a>\u200b (specifically the Hobbs Act, which addresses robbery affecting interstate or foreign commerce), prosecutors must prove the defendant is guilty of several specific elements beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a robbery conviction<\/span>:<\/p>\n