Baton Rouge Burglary & Robbery Attorneys
Skilled Legal Representation for Burglary and Robbery Cases
In Louisiana, state law has numerous theft-related offenses, in addition to burglary and robbery charges. Any crime related to theft, burglary, or robbery can carry heavy penalties and leave you with a permanent criminal record. Other potential consequences include being branded a convicted felon, a 10-year firearm ban, or loss of professional licenses.
No matter what criminal charges you may be facing, you have an experienced criminal defense attorney who can build a solid defense strategy that will protect your freedom and reputation.
What is the Difference Between Burglary and Robbery in Louisiana?
Many Louisiana residents often use the terms “burglary” and “robbery” interchangeably, but they have distinct legal definitions. In Louisiana, burglary is the unlawful entry into a dwelling, vehicle, or watercraft, or cemetery with the intent to commit a crime.
Robbery occurs when a person uses force or fear to deprive another person of their property. Robbery charges are treated as violent crimes as they involve the use of force against another person.
How Does Louisiana Classify Burglary or Robbery Charges?
State law classifies burglary or robbery charges in the following manner:
- Simple Burglary: Illegally entering an area as prohibited by law with the intent to commit a felony or theft crime.
- Aggravated Burglary: Illegally entering an area as prohibited by law, with an individual present to commit a felony or theft crime. The charge is enhanced if the perpetrator is armed with a dangerous weapon, arms themselves with a weapon after entering, or commits battery upon the individual while entering or leaving.
- Simple Robbery: Taking another person’s property while under their immediate control by use of force or through intimidation.
- Armed Robbery: Taking another person’s property while under their immediate control by use of force or through intimidation while armed with a dangerous weapon.
- First Degree Robbery: Taking another person’s property while under their immediate control through the use of force or intimidation, while having reason to believe the perpetrator is armed with a dangerous weapon.
- Second Degree Robbery: Taking another person’s property while under their immediate control by the perpetrator, intentionally inflicting serious bodily injury.
What are Louisiana’s Robbery & Burglary Punishment Ranges?
| Charges | Classification | Punishment |
| Simple Burglary | Felony | No more than 12 years in prison, fine up to $2,000 |
| Simple Robbery | Felony | No more than seven years in prison, fine up to $3,000 |
| Second-Degree Robbery | Felony | 3-40 years in prison |
| First-Degree Robbery | Felony | 3-40 years in prison |
| Aggravated Burglary | Felony | 1-30 years in prison |
| Armed Robbery | Felony | 10-99 years in prison; if a firearm is used, an additional 5 years is added to the sentence |
Baton Rouge Burglary & Robbery Lawyers Are Here To Help
If you are facing burglary or robbery charges, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. Burglary and robbery are considered theft crimes, and if you have been charged with multiple offenses, you could face substantial penalties, including the application of the state’s Habitual Offender Law. If your charges include home invasion or result in a victim being injured, you could face a lengthy prison sentence.
Contact Big River Trial Attorneys today at 225-437-2733 to schedule a free, confidential consultation with our experienced Baton Rouge criminal defense lawyers who will determine what legal strategies work best for your case.