{"id":373283,"date":"2016-09-12T15:47:54","date_gmt":"2016-09-12T20:47:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/indiana-law\/indiana-robbery-laws-1.html"},"modified":"2018-03-06T17:27:29","modified_gmt":"2018-03-06T22:27:29","slug":"indiana-robbery-laws-1","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/indiana-law\/indiana-robbery-laws-1.html","title":{"rendered":"Indiana Robbery Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Indiana Robbery Laws <\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\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

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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

When we think of \u201crobbers\u201d throughout history or pop culture, we often conjure up images of famous outlaws such as legendary bank robber Jesse James or the infamous John Dillinger, who was accused of pulling off at least 24 bank robberies, among other crimes. But let\u2019s be really clear about robbery<\/a> \u2013 it isn\u2019t glamorous. It isn\u2019t a crime that is going to get your picture memorialized in history books. Robbery is a major crime, especially when committed with a dangerous<\/a> or deadly<\/a> weapon. Indiana robbery laws severely penalize<\/a> those convicted of the offense, but particularly when the perpetrator is armed.<\/p>\n

Elements of Robbery in Indiana<\/h2>\n

In Indiana, robbery is committed when a person intends to steal or take someone else\u2019s property from the victim\u2019s person or in their presence against their will and by way of violence, intimidation, or threat of force.<\/p>\n

As for the amount of force necessary, it doesn\u2019t have to be much. In fact, the amount of force needed to turn a theft into a robbery will often depend upon the individual victim. For example, let\u2019s say 90-year old Gertrude is walking down the street with her new iPhone. Not paying attention, a robber approaches her and puts a gun to her head, demanding that phone. In fear for her life, she turns the phone over to the robber. That situation is clear-cut. We have a completed robbery. But let\u2019s say the robber approaches Gertrude and takes her phone out of her pocket without her knowing. Here, no robbery. Why? Because the robber didn\u2019t use force or intimidation to take her property. He was merely a pickpocket<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Indiana Robbery Laws Overview<\/h2>\n

The following table provides a basic overview of Indiana\u2019s robbery laws and penalties. If you want to know more about possible defenses available to you, check out FindLaw\u2019s article on robbery defenses<\/a>.   <\/p>\n\n

Statutes<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Penalties<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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  • Robbery: <\/i><\/b>Level 5 felony punishable by 1 to 6 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000<\/li>\n
  • Armed Robbery: <\/i><\/b>Level 3 felony punishable by 3 to 16 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Habitual Offender Enhancement Possible? <\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

 <\/i>Yes, see Indiana Code Section 35-50-2-8<\/a>, on unrelated third felony conviction, can add 1-3 times the presumptive sentence on third felony with a maximum of a 30 year enhancement.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n

Note:<\/i><\/b> State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\n

Additional Resources<\/h2>\n

If you have additional questions about the crime of robbery or other criminal laws in Indiana, click on the following links below:  <\/p>\n