{"id":352138,"date":"2023-08-21T15:51:44","date_gmt":"2023-08-21T20:51:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/robbery-overview.html"},"modified":"2023-08-21T15:51:44","modified_gmt":"2023-08-21T20:51:44","slug":"robbery-overview","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/robbery-overview.html","title":{"rendered":"Robbery Overview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Robbery Overview<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Rhonda Earhart, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Robbery is theft accomplished by violence or the threat of violence. Unlike\u00a0theft\u00a0or\u00a0burglary, robbery typically includes the presence of a victim who faces the threat of bodily harm. If the robber uses a deadly weapon or if the victim suffers an injury, the crime will become “armed” or “aggravated” robbery\u2014a higher criminal charge.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

But, state laws differ on whether a theft is robbery or pickpocketing. Some states, such as New York, require the use of force, or threat of force, to increase the danger to the victim. In other states, like Maine, juries can conclude simply that the amount of force needed and used to grab the wallet could meet the use of force element of the crime.<\/p>\n

This article overviews how states define and charge robbery. It also explains when robbery becomes a federal offense<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A robbery conviction can carry life-altering penalties, including prison time. A conviction on your criminal record will also impact your ability to find employment and housing. If you are facing a robbery charge, consider contacting a criminal defense attorney<\/a> near you for targeted legal advice.<\/p>\n

Example of a Robbery Charge<\/h2>\n

Consider this scenario: Diane sneaks up on Jesse, demanding Jesse’s money while pressing a plastic object into his back. Jesse gives up his wallet. Law enforcement authorities would charge Diane with robbery.<\/p>\n

If Diane employed a real gun or Jesse sustained injuries, they would likely charge the crime as armed robbery or aggravated robbery<\/a>. In some states, it does not matter if the gun was not real \u2014 Diane could still face an armed robbery charge if she showed the fake gun or threatened Jesse with it.<\/p>\n

The Elements of Robbery<\/h2>\n

The laws of each state may\u00a0define robbery<\/a>\u00a0offenses differently. But each definition will contain the same essential elements of robbery. Robbery consists of:<\/p>\n