{"id":376669,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:55","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/texas-law\/texas-robbery-laws.html"},"modified":"2018-03-28T10:48:13","modified_gmt":"2018-03-28T15:48:13","slug":"texas-robbery-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/texas-law\/texas-robbery-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Texas Robbery Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Texas 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

Given the popularity of firearm ownership in Texas it is a little bit of a surprise that anyone commits a robbery. Whether brave or stupid, some folks still try to take property that isn’t their own. A robber’s danger doesn’t end when they’ve escaped their victim, though. Texas law enforcement comes down on criminals like a ton of bricks. The following chart provides an overview of the Texas robbery laws and includes information on the possible defenses and penalties.<\/p>\n\n
Statute<\/b><\/td>\nTexas Robbery Statute<\/a> (Penal Code, Title 7, Chapter 29)<\/td>\n<\/tr>
Elements of Robbery Offenses<\/b><\/td>\n

Robbery and aggravated robbery (sometimes called "armed robbery") are violations of Texas state law. To convict a defendant of robbery<\/a>, prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that while committing theft<\/a> (taking another person’s property with the intention of depriving them of it), the defendant intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another. Alternately, the prosecutor may prove that the defendant intentionally, knowingly or recklessly threatened the victim or caused the victim to fear bodily injury or death.<\/p>\n

The crime of robbery can be elevated to that of aggravated robbery if in addition to the criteria for proving a case of robbery, the prosecutor can prove that the defendant used or exhibited a deadly weapon<\/a>, and\/or the victim who was threatened or placed in fear of bodily injury or death was an individual 65 years of age or older, or was disabled either physically, mentally or developmentally.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/b> If Bob walked up to Joe and pressed a finger into his back and said he had a gun and that Joe must give him his wallet, that would be a robbery. Joe was placed in fear that he would be physically hurt if he did not give up his wallet. However, if Bob really did use a gun or if Joe really did get hurt, Bob’s crime would be elevated to aggravated (or "armed") robbery.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Defenses Against Robbery Charges<\/b><\/td>\n
Penalties and Sentences<\/b><\/td>\n

Robbery is charged as a second degree felony in Texas. This carries a penalty of two to twenty years in a state prison and\/or a fine of no more than $10,000. If the crime is elevated to that of aggravated robbery, the charge will be first degree felony. This carries a more serious penalty of five to 99 years in a state prison and\/or a fine of no more than $10,000.<\/p>\n

See Robbery Penalties and Sentences<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n

Note:<\/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

Related Resources:<\/h2>\n