Robbery is the crime that consists of misappropriation of another's chattel, through use of violence or serious threat from the victim by the criminal. The crime of theft is based on article 157 of the Brazilian Penal Code.
The penalty for this crime can vary between 4 (four) to 10 (ten) years of imprisonment, plus the payment of a fine. The penalty can be increased from 1/3 (one third) to half if the theft is done by:
weapon use;
- participation of two or more persons in the execution of the crime;
- if the victim is in a valuables transport service and the criminal is aware of it;
- subtraction of a motor vehicle that will be transported to another state or country;
- hold the victim hostage, restricting their freedom.
When theft is followed by victim's severe bodily violence on the part of the criminal agent, the penalty for this may vary between 7 (seven) and 15 (fifteen) years of imprisonment, plus a fine.
In cases of Robbery, that is, crime followed by the death of the victim, the penalty provided for varies between 20 (twenty) and 30 (thirty) years of imprisonment.
Learn more about the meaning of Robbery.
Some of the main synonyms for theft are: assault; preying; embezzlement; usurpation; thief; assault; thievery; and panting.
Assault is considered synonymous with theft and not another type of crime.
Difference between robbery and theft
Both are crimes provided for in the Brazilian Penal Code and consist of the act of stealing another person's chattel against their will. The difference between robbery and theft is in the way each of these actions is carried out.
Robbery (article 157 CP), as said, is characterized when there is an episode of violence or threat against the victim. Theft (article 155 CP), on the other hand, is done secretly, that is, the criminal does not directly approach the victim, and there is no threat or violence against the victim.
Find out more about the difference between theft and robbery.