{"id":373887,"date":"2016-10-28T11:02:28","date_gmt":"2016-10-28T16:02:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/maryland-law\/maryland-robbery-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-06-08T18:34:26","modified_gmt":"2026-06-08T23:34:26","slug":"maryland-robbery-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/maryland-law\/maryland-robbery-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Maryland Robbery Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

Maryland Robbery Laws<\/h1>\n\n
\n
\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
\n

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
\n

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

\n

Robbery in Maryland<\/span> is a felony crime involving the intentional taking of another person’s property through force or threat of force<\/span> with the intent to permanently deprive the owner. Maryland<\/span> law<\/span> divides robbery offenses into simple robbery, attempted robbery, and armed robbery<\/span>. Convictions carry prison sentences<\/span> of up to 15 years for standard robbery and up to 20 years for armed robbery<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Every state has a criminal code that outlines specific crimes and penalties. While some crimes, such as indecent exposure, may be minor, other crimes, such as robbery, are considered violent crimes<\/span><\/a>. While each state defines robbery slightly differently, the crime involves taking another person\u2019s property through the use of force<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Maryland<\/span> law<\/span> is no different. The State of <\/span>Maryland<\/span> doesn\u2019t recognize first-degree<\/span> and second-degree robbery, instead breaking the crime into separate offenses: simple robbery<\/a>, attempted robbery, and armed robbery<\/span>.<\/p>\n

This article examines and explains Maryland<\/span>\u2019s robbery laws<\/span>, including potential penalties<\/span> and defenses. If you\u2019re facing robbery charges<\/span> and need help with your legal defense, contact a local criminal defense attorney in Maryland<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

How Does Maryland<\/span> Law<\/span> Define Robbery?<\/h2>\n

Maryland<\/span>\u2019s criminal laws<\/span> clearly define the crime of robbery. A person is guilty of this felony offense<\/span><\/a> if they intentionally take another person\u2019s property through the use of force<\/span> or the threat of force<\/span> with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property. This can lead to a felony conviction<\/span>.<\/p>\n

If the state proves each required element, the defendant will be found guilty of robbery. Proving that the defendant possessed, or pretended to possess, a dangerous or deadly weapon<\/span><\/a> while committing the crime will upgrade it to armed <\/span>robbery<\/span> charges<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Maryland<\/span> Criminal Law<\/span> Treats Attempted Robbery the Same as Robbery<\/h3>\n

The penalty for an attempted crime<\/a> is often much lower than that for completing the offense. This isn\u2019t the case with attempted robbery in the state of <\/span>Maryland<\/span>. Under Maryland<\/span> law<\/span>, a person guilty of attempted robbery faces the same penalty as if they\u2019d been successful.<\/p>\n

Taking substantial steps toward committing the crime<\/a> qualifies as attempted robbery in Maryland<\/span>\u2019s statutes. A person brandishing a gun and demanding that a stranger hand over their wallet can be charged with attempted robbery, regardless of whether the victim gives it up or flees.<\/p>\n

What About Armed Robbery<\/span>?<\/h3>\n

Like many other states, Maryland<\/span> treats armed robbery<\/span><\/a> as a separate crime from robbery. To convict someone of armed robbery<\/span>, the state must show that the defendant committed a robbery using a dangerous or deadly weapon<\/span>.<\/p>\n

A weapon qualifies as deadly or dangerous if it can cause serious bodily injury or death. Examples of common weapons used in\u00a0armed robberies<\/span>\u00a0include a firearm, a knife, or an explosive device.<\/p>\n

Maryland<\/span>\u2019s armed <\/span>robbery<\/span> laws<\/span> also state that you can be guilty of the crime by displaying a note claiming to possess a dangerous weapon<\/span>, such as to a bank teller. The state can charge you even if you do not possess the weapon at the time.<\/p>\n

Penalties for Robbery in Maryland<\/span><\/h2>\n

Robbery, attempted robbery, and armed robbery<\/span> are all felony crimes in Maryland<\/span>. A conviction of any of these offenses will result in a lengthy prison sentence<\/span><\/a> and hefty fines. The court may also order the defendant to pay criminal restitution.<\/p>\n

According to the Maryland<\/span> Criminal Code<\/span>, the penalties for robbery<\/a> are as follows:<\/p>\n