{"id":377146,"date":"2018-06-20T17:30:33","date_gmt":"2018-06-20T22:30:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/washington-law\/washington-robbery-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-03-06T10:46:18","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T15:46:18","slug":"washington-robbery-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/washington-law\/washington-robbery-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Washington Robbery Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

Washington Robbery Laws<\/h1>\n\n
\n
\n By Olivia Wathne, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\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

Robbery in Washington<\/span> is the unlawful taking of personal property<\/span> from another person using force, threats, or fear of immediate harm. It is classified as either first degree<\/span> robbery<\/span> (Class A<\/span> felony) when a deadly weapon<\/span> is involved, bodily injury<\/span> occurs, or the target is a financial institution<\/span>. All other cases are second degree<\/span> robbery<\/span> (Class B felony<\/span>). Convictions carry severe penalties including possible life imprisonment for first degree<\/span> and up to 10 years for second degree<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

Robbery is a serious offense<\/span> under Washington<\/span> law<\/span>. It involves taking someone\u2019s personal property<\/span> by using force or threats. Because it includes violence or fear, a robbery charge<\/span> is treated more seriously than simple theft.<\/p>\n

Washington<\/span>\u2019s RCW 9A<\/span> robbery laws state<\/a> that a person commits robbery when they unlawfully take personal property<\/span> from another person, or from that person\u2019s presence, by using or threatening immediate force, violence, or fear of injury. This article examines the different degrees of robbery and how it differs from other similar crimes. If you\u2019re facing any robbery charges<\/span>, it\u2019s a good idea to speak with a Washington<\/span> criminal defense attorney<\/span><\/a> as soon as possible after your arrest.<\/p>\n

Robbery vs. Theft<\/h2>\n

Robbery is different from theft<\/a>. Theft involves taking property without force or threats. If there is no force, violence, or intimidation, the case may be charged as theft instead of robbery.<\/p>\n

The distinction between the two crimes is important. The difference can have a major impact on potential penalties and long-term consequences.<\/p>\n

What Prosecutors Must Prove<\/h2>\n

In simple terms, robbery is theft plus the use of force<\/span> or intimidation. To convict someone of robbery in Washington<\/span>, prosecutors must prove:<\/p>\n