Theft vs. Burglary: What a Calgary Burglary Defence Lawyer Wants You to Know
Facing a criminal charge without the basic understanding of your case will not be a walk in the park. If you are not aware of the difference between theft and burglary, it can become more of a challenge. Despite the two often being mixed up with each other, they are not the same according to the law. So, it is still important to understand their distinctions as they also determine the kind of legal process and penalties you will be facing.
At Muenz Criminal Law in Calgary, we defend individuals facing a wide range of property-related charges. With decades of experience in Alberta’s criminal courts, we work closely with clients to ensure they understand the charges and their legal options.
Theft: The Unlawful Taking of Property
Theft is the act of taking an item or goods that does not belong to you, with the full intent of keeping it from the rightful owner permanently. Under the Criminal Code of Canada, theft is defined in terms of property, fraud, and ill-intention. The value of what was stolen plays a determining factor if the charge can be considered as theft, with more serious penalties for higher-value items.
Examples of theft include:
- Shoplifting
- Stealing a wallet or phone
- Taking items from a workplace
The legal outcome varies despite initial theft charges seeming to be simple. There are prior convictions and the circumstances of the alleged incident to be taken into consideration before the Crown decides on how to proceed.
Burglary: More Than Just Theft
While "burglary" is not a term commonly used in the Canadian Criminal Code, it is often used informally to refer to break and enter offences. In Calgary and across Alberta, break and enter is a distinct offence that involves unlawfully entering a space with the intent to commit another offence. The type of offence varies but it could be theft, or even more veer into a more dangerous kind such as assault or mischief.
In simpler terms, burglary (or break and enter) means someone entered a property be it a residence or business, or other structures that are not their own without permission, usually by force or deception. However, what sets it apart from a simple trespass is the intent to commit another crime once inside the establishment.
Break and enter charges are taken very seriously in Calgary courts, especially when they involve private dwellings. The legal consequences can be significant, even if nothing was stolen.
Why This Distinction Matters
From a defence and legal standpoint, being able to grasp the full or exact nature of the charge can contribute significantly to how a legal strategy is built. A defence lawyer in Calgary will carefully examine how the evidence was gathered by the police such as reviewing documentation, financial records, or any photos and videos available. Along with those, your defence lawyer will also be making sure your rights are respected, and giving you possible outcomes of your case. These are key factors in building a strong and effective defence.
For example:
- If you are charged with break and enter, your lawyer may challenge the evidence of intent.
- If you are charged with theft, your lawyer may explore whether there was actual ownership or permission involved.
Since every case is unique, each approach will vary and depend on which bet fits the situation.
Get Legal Advice Early
Cases like theft and burglary may seem simple but are in fact complicated to deal with. The consequences of being convicted of a crime can have a long lasting impact on your personal records, your reputation, and future career opportunities. This is why we do not advise you to deal with it alone. And you won’t have to.
Rick Muenz is a Calgary defence lawyer who handles property-related offences, including breaking and entering, theft, and fraud. At Muenz Criminal Law, we focus exclusively on criminal law and provide you with clear, honest legal advice every step of the way.
Contact Muenz Criminal Law today to schedule a confidential consultation. Early advice can make a real difference in how your case unfolds.