{"id":374021,"date":"2018-07-18T15:15:03","date_gmt":"2018-07-18T20:15:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-robbery-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-07-20T08:40:28","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T13:40:28","slug":"massachusetts-robbery-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-robbery-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Massachusetts Robbery Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Massachusetts 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

In Massachusetts<\/span>, robbery is the crime of taking another person’s property from their person or immediate control through force or threat of force<\/span>. Massachusetts<\/span> law distinguishes between unarmed robbery<\/span> and armed robbery<\/span>, with armed robbery<\/span> cases<\/span> carrying mandatory minimum sentences<\/span> of five years when a firearm is used or when the perpetrator is masked or disguised. Both offenses can result in life imprisonment.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The terms “theft”\u00a0and “robbery” are sometimes used interchangeably, but there are two key differences between these crimes. In general, theft involves taking another person’s property<\/a> with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it.<\/p>\n

With a robbery<\/a>, the offender not only takes another person’s property, but does so using force or the threat of force<\/span>. This doesn\u2019t mean a person must physically remove property from another individual’s body, but that the property owner is physically present and in control of their property at the time of the taking.<\/p>\n

Like most other states, Massachusetts<\/span> has a separate statute prohibiting robbery. This article explains Massachusetts<\/span>‘s robbery laws<\/a>, including the penalties and defenses to robbery.<\/p>\n

If you’re currently facing robbery charges in the Commonwealth<\/span> of Massachusetts<\/span>, consider contacting a local criminal defense<\/span> attorney<\/span><\/a> as soon as possible. Things move quickly after your arrest, and you’re better off having a legal professional by your side.<\/p>\n

How Does Massachusetts<\/span> Law Define the Crime of Robbery?<\/h2>\n

Massachusetts<\/span> law defines robbery the same way most states do. According to Massachusetts<\/span> General Laws Chapter<\/span> 265<\/a>, a person is guilty of robbery when they take another person’s property that may be the subject of <\/span>larceny<\/span> through force or the threat of force<\/span> with a dangerous weapon<\/span>.<\/p>\n

There are different types of robbery in Massachusetts<\/span>, including simple robbery, armed robbery<\/span>, and armed robbery<\/span> using a firearm. Penalties for armed robbery<\/span> and armed robbery<\/span> with a firearm are harsher than penalties for simple robbery. If you’re facing any sort of robbery charge, having a seasoned criminal defense<\/span> attorney<\/span><\/a> by your side is a good idea.<\/p>\n

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

To secure a robbery conviction, the state must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt<\/span><\/a>. To do this, the prosecutor must prove each element of the offense.<\/p>\n

Under Massachusetts<\/span> law, the state must demonstrate the following elements:<\/p>\n