{"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":"2018-07-18T16:14:35","modified_gmt":"2018-07-18T21:14:35","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
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last reviewed\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

Taking someone's property without their permission and with the intent to permanently deprive them of it is theft<\/a>. The offense of robbery<\/a> is essentially a theft in the victim's presence through the use of force or violence. Because it involves force and violence, robbery is usually considered a much more serious crime than theft.<\/p>\r\n

In Massachusetts, the robbery laws cover various offenses under the criminal code. However, the main distinction among the robbery offenses is whether the act involved a weapon. Just as the element of force or intimidation can shift a theft offense into a robbery offense, the presence of a weapon can elevate an unarmed robbery charge to armed robbery. The penalties are also enhanced if the victim is aged 60 or older.<\/p>\r\n

An Overview of Massachusetts Robbery Laws<\/h2>\r\n

You should be aware of the literal language in a statue and everything that it entails. However, when you just need a quick answer or want information prior to working with an attorney, a simple summary of the law can be helpful. The chart below provides an overview of Massachusetts' robbery laws.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

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

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 265:<\/p>\r\n

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Elements of the Crime<\/b><\/p>\r\n

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Unarmed Robbery:<\/i><\/p>\r\n

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  • The taking was from another or from their person;<\/li>\r\n
  • The larceny was conducted by force or violence or by assault or putting the victim in fear; and<\/li>\r\n
  • The perpetrator took the victim's property with the intent to deprive the owner of the property rights.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

    Armed Robbery:<\/i><\/p>\r\n

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    • The perpetrator possessed a dangerous weapon or threatened to use the weapon (you don't actually have to use the weapon to be charged with this crime);<\/li>\r\n
    • The victim was physically hurt or the perpetrator made them fear for their safety; and<\/li>\r\n
    • The perpetrator took the victim's property against their will or intended to steal the property.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

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

Unarmed Robbery:<\/i> Punishment varies from a prison term ranging from several months to life imprisonment.<\/p>\r\n

Unarmed Robbery (Victim aged 60 and up):<\/i> Any term of years in prison up to life imprisonment. Mandatory minimum sentence of 2 years for second or subsequent offense.<\/p>\r\n

Armed Robbery:<\/i> A minimum penalty of 5 years in prison for a first offense; for second or subsequent offenses, a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison is required<\/p>\r\n

Armed Robbery (Victim- aged 60 and up):<\/i> Up to life imprisonment. Mandatory minimum sentence of 2 years for a second or subsequent offense.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Related Offenses<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Massachusetts General Laws:<\/p>\r\n