Robbery

Robbery Vs. Burglary: What is the Difference?

Published on: November 8, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Robbery Vs. Burglary: What is the Difference?

Theft is a common crime in North Carolina and across the country. Theft is the taking of property that does not belong to you. A person may be charged with theft if they are accused of stealing items from a store, taking a car, or grabbing a purse. There are various types of theft charges and depending on the severity, the charge could be either a misdemeanor or a felony. While most people use the terms “robbery” and “burglary” interchangeably, they are different crimes and one is more serious than the other. If you are charged with theft, you will want to vigorously defend the charges with help from a North Carolina criminal defense attorney.

Definition of Robbery

Do I Need an Attorney for Larceny or Shoplifting Charges?

Published on: February 8, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Do I Need an Attorney for Larceny or Shoplifting Charges?

Shoplifting is one of the most common crimes in North Carolina and elsewhere. Shoplifting is a type of larceny. If you are found guilty of larceny charges, you could face various penalties, including fines, probation, and more. Additionally, you will have a criminal record that could impact your life now and in years to come. Although larceny or simple theft charges are generally misdemeanors, they are still serious enough to warrant vigorous defense. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will work to resolve the charges with as little negative impact as possible.

Larceny Charges and Penalties

What are the Most Common Crimes?

Published on: January 4, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What are the Most Common Crimes?

Crimes occur on a regular basis. Some are considered more serious than others, but if you are charged with a crime, you need to take immediate action to defend yourself. If you are convicted or found guilty of a crime, you could face serious penalties that might have a negative impact on your life for years.

Larceny

Breaking and Entering and Burglary in North Carolina

Published on: December 25, 2019 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte DWI Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “If I simply intend to plead guilty, why do I need a lawyer?”

Christmas came early for burglars in Charlotte. Two suspects stole Christmas gifts and cash in a recent armed home invasion in the city. The crime highlights the importance of taking security measures to protect your home ahead of Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Armed Robbery Charges in Charlotte, North Carolina

Published on: October 23, 2019 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I be arrested without evidence against me?”

An arrest for robbery entails serious felony charges in North Carolina. Those arrested for robbery risk losing their freedom and getting a criminal record with permanent negative consequences for their career, reputation, and quality of life.

Five Types of Property Crime in North Carolina

Published on: May 16, 2018 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?”

Criminal law is complex. There are many crimes that can be committed under the same “type” of offense and there are different levels of severity for each crime. In North Carolina, there are many different crimes that can be committed to/on property. The following are the most common types of property crime in North Carolina.

Aluminum-Covered Bank Robbers Foiled by Security Cameras

Published on: May 3, 2016 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Brad Smith answers the question: “Can I be arrested without evidence against me?”

A busted pair of bank robbers in Brazil had resorted to an interesting method of disguise for their attempted heist: the duo covered themselves head to toe in aluminum foil for their early-morning raid.

North Carolina Bank Robber Nabs Supreme Court Review Of His Conviction

Published on: June 17, 2014 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Attorney J. Bradley Smith answering the question: “Can I be arrested without evidence against me?”

The case of a North Carolina bank robber is set to get national attention over the coming months after the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear the matter. The case involved Larry Whitfield, a 26-year-old who is currently in prison and not scheduled to be released until 2022.

The issue in the case concerns something that judges have long argued about and for which a clear rule still does not exist. Though everyone understands that bank robbery is a crime, many may not realize that anyone robbing a bank that is found to have forcibly moved another person, either during the crime or while fleeing, faces even stiffer penalties.

Standard bank robberies involve a possible punishment of up to 20 years, though there is no mandatory minimum, meaning that judges are empowered to reduce the sentences of those they feel are deserving. However, anyone who has been found to violate the forced-movement law faces an additional 10-year mandatory sentence and possibly even life behind bars.

The question that the Supreme Court must now wrestle with is how much movement is necessary to prompt a violation of the forced-movement law. In this case, Whitfield and a partner armed themselves with weapons and intended to rob a credit union in Gastonia, NC. A tough security system prompted them to flee the scene, ultimately seeking refuge in the home of a nearby woman.

Bathroom Bandits Strike Charlotte Bojangles

Published on: April 17, 2014 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Attorney J. Bradley Smith answering the question: “The person that called the police doesn’t want to press charges.”

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officers say that in all their years investigating area crimes they have never encountered a bathroom holdup. This week marks a first for the department as it was revealed an older man was robbed at gunpoint in the bathroom of a Charlotte area Bojangles this past week.

The crime took place Sunday evening, a little after 7:30 p.m., at the Bojangles in The Plaza. Police say that as an older man was preparing to order his dinner, two young men in hoodies stepped into the restaurant and were first spotted on a store security camera. While the older gentleman’s food was being prepared, he excused himself to the restroom. What happened next surprised not only him, but police as well.

According to reports, as soon as the man entered the bathroom with his back to the door, the two young men in hoodies followed closely behind. They then stuck a gun to the man’s back and threatened to kill him if he resisted. The criminals then ordered the man to empty his pockets. Within a minute they had secured the man’s wallet, cash and cellphone and were just as quickly out of the restaurant and away in a nearby car.

Police say that the encounter shocked the victim who says he never saw it coming. After he was robbed he went to tell restaurant employees who were similarly stunned and say that they had no idea a robbery was taking place only a few feet away from the cash registers.

North Carolina Bank Robber On the Loose

Published on: April 3, 2014 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Attorney J. Bradley Smith answering the question: “What are the long term effects of being convicted of a crime?”

Police say that a man with a thick Boston accent robbed a bank in Lincolnton, North Carolina this week before fleeing the scene of the robbery in a stolen car. Authorities say that the bank, the Peoples Bank, was knocked over just after they opened for the morning, at around 9:15 a.m.

The robbery took place at a location on Highway 27 West, where they say a white male wearing a t-shirt, hoodie, shorts and tennis shoes walked in and demanded money. According to witnesses, the man walked directly up to a teller and handed the man a note, asking for cash. The man also told the teller to be sure that none of the money contained dye packs, something used by banks to help officers trace and collect stolen money.

In the note, as well as in person, the robber is said to have threatened to shoot the teller if he did not comply. Police say that no weapon was ever displayed and that the teller filled up a bag with an undisclosed amount of money before the man turned and ran.

Police say thanks to quality security camera footage they were able to identify the suspect as 49-year-old Jean Pierre Gendron. The man has several noticeable tattoos, is bald, skinny and does indeed have a thick Boston accent. Lincolnton police investigators say Gendron has an extensive criminal history and is believed to be armed and dangerous.