{"id":372319,"date":"2018-08-27T13:37:58","date_gmt":"2018-08-27T18:37:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/dc-law\/district-of-columbia-robbery-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-07-20T09:32:58","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T14:32:58","slug":"district-of-columbia-robbery-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/dc-law\/district-of-columbia-robbery-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"District of Columbia Robbery Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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District of Columbia Robbery Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, 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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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Robbery is the unlawful taking of property from another person using force or the threat of force. In Washington, D.C<\/span>., robbery is always a felony offense<\/span> with penalties ranging from up to three years for attempted robbery<\/span> to a mandatory minimum of five years (up to 30 years maximum) for armed robbery<\/span>. The specific sentence depends on factors like weapon use, the victim’s age, and the defendant’s criminal history.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

One of the more serious crimes<\/span> you can be charged with is robbery. In general, robbery involves the unlawful taking of property<\/a> from another person using force or the threat of force. Robberies can result in serious physical injuries to the victim, but physical harm isn\u2019t a requirement of the charge.<\/p>\n

Under the District of Columbia<\/span>‘s criminal laws<\/span>, robbery is always a felony<\/a>, regardless of whether the defendant uses a weapon. The penalties for this crime are severe and vary based on the circumstances, ranging from up to three years for attempted robbery<\/span> to a maximum of 30 years for armed robbery<\/span>.<\/p>\n

This article examines and explains the robbery laws<\/span> in Washington, D.C<\/span>., including the penalties<\/a> and defenses to this crime. If you or a loved one is currently facing robbery charges<\/span>, contact a D.C. criminal defense attorney<\/span><\/a> as soon as possible. Things will move quickly after your arrest, and you will likely have to attend your initial hearing right away. A criminal defense attorney<\/span> can explain the charges against you and help to protect your rights.<\/p>\n

How Does Washington, <\/span>D.C<\/span>. Law<\/span> Define Robbery?<\/h2>\n

The D.C. Code<\/span> defines robbery as unlawfully taking property from another person or their immediate possession through the use of force<\/span>, violence, or the threat of force or violence. The statute also states that a person commits a robbery<\/a> whether they use force or violence (or a threat thereof) against the victim’s resistance, by a sudden or stealth seizure or snatching, or by putting the victim in fear for their life or safety.<\/p>\n

Like many criminal statutes, it\u2019s easier to understand what it means by breaking it down into parts, often called “elements.” To secure a conviction for robbery, the state must prove each\u00a0element of the offense<\/a>. If the prosecutor cannot do so, the judge (or jury) must either acquit the defendant of the charges or convict them of a lesser-included offense.<\/p>\n

According to the District of Columbia<\/span> Code<\/span><\/a>, the elements of the crime of robbery are as follows:<\/p>\n