Matthew J. Troiano Quoted in U.S. News Article “Burglary vs Robbery: What’s the Difference?”
November 22, 2021As published by U.S. News 360 Reviews, November 15, 2021
By Wayne Rash
While the terms “burglary” and “robbery” are often used interchangeably, there are actually distinctions between the two different crimes. Robbery, as defined by the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, is taking or attempting to take anything of value from someone by force or threat of force or violence, and/or by putting the victim in fear of force. Drilling it down, robbery is a violent crime, but nothing actually has to be taken. At the other end of the spectrum, burglary is the unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or theft.
Matthew J. Troiano, Chair of Einhorn Barbarito Frost & Botwinick PC’s Criminal Practice Group and former Morris County Chief Assistant Prosecutor, explained that, “Burglary is entry into a place or remaining in a place with the intent to commit a crime or an offense,” clarifying, “It doesn’t have to be predicated on theft.”
Since burglary is technically a crime against property, it is not always considered a violent crime, but jail time and fines can vary depending on the situation. Matthew noted, “If the burglar is going into a house and has a gun, it’s going to be a first-degree robbery.”
Ultimately, Matthew’s primary advice for any victim of a robbery or burglary is to get away and call the police. “Standing your ground is short sighted,” he said, adding that victims should try to recall any details but avoid disrupting the scene to help the investigation.