Posted on December 13, 2021 in Criminal Defense

Whether on TV or during conversations with friends, the words “theft” and “robbery” are often lumped together and used interchangeably. And while they share a lot of similar characteristics (i.e., taking someone else’s property), there are substantial differences between the two — especially in the eyes of the law.

The Legal Definition of Theft vs. Robbery

Theft, also known as larceny, petty theft, and grand theft (depending on the monetary value of what’s stolen), involves taking someone’s property that doesn’t belong to you. This could include scenarios like taking a wallet that was left behind in a restaurant, stealing a bike left outside of a store, or shoplifting.

Theft involves:

• Property: Intent to take someone’s property or goods.
• Wrongful: Theft involves deceit or trickery to take someone else’s property.
• Deprive: To prove theft, it has to be clear that a person intended to permanently deprive the rightful owner of their property.

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 Posted on December 13, 2021 in Criminal Defense

Probation is one of the most common alternatives to jail after someone pleads guilty or is convicted of a crime. And while probation may spare someone jail time, it doesn’t mean they’re able to go about life as normal.

What is Probation?

Many people convicted of a crime will be given probation — a court-ordered sanction that allows a person to stay out of jail and in the community while under strict supervision.

Ultimately, a person on probation is supervised by a probation officer and must abide by the specific conditions of their sanction. Probation can mean many things — it can include fines, restitution, house arrest, community service, and more. Those on probation also often have to abstain from drugs and alcohol, undergo drug testing, and regularly check in with their probation officer.

Violating Probation Can Lead to Serious Consequences

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