Under the Texas Penal Code, robbery happens when a person commits theft and, during the act, intentionally causes bodily injury to another person or threatens them with imminent injury or death. This is not about breaking into a building; it is about confronting someone face-to-face.

Robbery involves two main elements: taking property and using force or intimidation. For example, if someone snatches a purse from a person’s hands and pushes them to the ground, that is robbery. Even if the person does not take the item but threatens violence, the crime still qualifies.

The law recognizes two levels of robbery:

• Robbery – A second-degree felony.
• Aggravated Robbery – A first-degree felony, usually involving serious bodily injury, use of a deadly weapon, or targeting elderly or disabled victims.

If you are facing robbery charges in Texas, you could face long prison sentences, heavy fines, and lasting damage to your record.

Legal Definition Of Burglary In Texas

Burglary, under Texas law, is entering a home, building, or vehicle without the owner’s consent with the intent to commit theft, assault, or another felony. The key point is unauthorized entry with criminal intent.

Unlike robbery, burglary does not require the presence of the property owner or victim. For example, if a person breaks into a house while the owners are away and steals valuables, it is burglary. Even entering without taking anything can still be burglary if there was an intent to commit a crime inside.

Burglary charges in Texas vary in severity:

• Burglary of a building – State jail felony.
• Burglary of a habitation (home) – Second-degree felony.
• Burglary of a habitation with intent to commit other crimes – First-degree felony.
• Burglary of a vehicle – Class A misdemeanor.

The penalties depend on the type of property, the crime intended, and the defendant’s criminal history.