Many Americans have become familiar with the concept of robbery from movies, especially those involving bank heists in which robbers demand cash while brandishing all kinds of weapons. However, sometimes the pages of history provide the most interesting robbery cases, from D.B. Cooper's famous parachute getaway to Colorado's Denver Mint robbery in 1922.
In its most basic form, robbery is a form of theft that involves force or threats of force. Under Colorado's robbery laws, the theft can involve "anything of value" and the robbery must be "from the person or presence of another." In other words, the victim must be present for the crime to constitute a robbery.
A robbery becomes aggravated in Colorado if additional elements apply, including whether the accused:
- Is armed with a deadly weapon or any article that one would reasonably believe is a deadly weapon or states that he or she has a deadly weapon; or
- Knowingly wounds or strikes anyone or puts them in reasonable fear of death or injury.
Colorado also makes it a separate robbery crime when an accused uses force or threats of force to steal controlled substances from pharmacies or other places where they are lawfully kept.
Overview of Colorado Robbery Laws
For more information on Colorado's specific robbery laws, see the chart below.
Statutes |
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Penalties and Sentences |
Robbery: This is a Class 4 felony punishable by up to 6 years in prison and up to $500,000 in fines.
Aggravated Robbery: This is a Class 3 felony punishable by up to 12 years in prison and up to $750,000 in fines.
Aggravated Robbery of Controlled Substances: This is a Class 2 felony punishable by up to 24 years in prison and up to $1,000,000 in fines.
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Defenses |
Defenses include:
- Execution of public duty
- Choice of evils/justification
- Duress
- Entrapment
- Involuntary Intoxication
- Impaired mental condition
- Insanity
- Age (no child under 10 can be guilty of any criminal offense)
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Note: 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.
Additional Resources For Colorado Robbery Laws
Get Professional Legal Help With Your Robbery Case
Hollywood can sometimes give the dangerous impression that there are no consequences for robbery crimes. However, as you can see from its penalties and sentences, Colorado treats them very seriously. If you're facing charges, it's important to remember that you're innocent unless the prosecution is able to prove each element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, a very high standard. Don't take a chance with your future; call a Colorado defense attorney near you.