Robbery

Robbery is a form of theft that is also a violent crime. It involves the taking of another's property by means of force or threats. While simple theft may occur when the property owner is unaware of the crime, robbery is committed when the property owner or other individual is present and threats or physical force are used to obtain the property. This may include money, a car or any other property. Carjacking is a specific form of robbery that involves taking a motor vehicle from the immediate possession or presence of the owner or driver.

Robbery charges may vary in severity depending on:

• The manner in which the offense was carried out;
• The type of property involved (for example, an inhabited residence as opposed to robbery at an ATM);
• Whether the defendant used or was in possession of a deadly weapon;
• Whether anyone was purposefully or even accidentally injured or killed during the commission of the crime;
• The defendant's criminal history, if any; and
• The jurisdiction.

Enhanced Penalties for Robbery / Armed Robbery

Typically, robbery charges will be more severe when an inhabited residence is robbed or when the defendant is accused of using a deadly weapon. An interesting fact about armed robbery charges is that, in some states, a defendant may be charged with armed robbery even if a simulated weapon was used to commit the crime. For example, the alleged robber may have had a hand in his or her pocket, making it appear that he or she had a gun. Even in this scenario, though the "gun" was not real, the defendant may still end up facing armed robbery charges.

Specific penalties and charges involving robbery will vary depending upon where the offense was allegedly committed.

If you wish to learn more about robbery charges or are looking for legal counsel in the face of an arrest or charges, click here to find a criminal defense attorney in your area.