Maryland Robbery Laws

Every state has a criminal code that outlines specific crimes and penalties. While some crimes, such as indecent exposure, may be minor, other crimes, such as robbery, are considered violent crimes. While each state defines robbery slightly differently, the crime involves taking another person’s property through the use of force.

Maryland law is no different. The State of Maryland doesn’t recognize first-degree and second-degree robbery, instead breaking the crime into separate offenses: simple robbery, attempted robbery, and armed robbery.

This article examines and explains Maryland’s robbery laws, including potential penalties and defenses. If you’re facing robbery charges and need help with your legal defense, contact a local criminal defense attorney in Maryland.

How Does Maryland Law Define Robbery?

Maryland’s criminal laws clearly define the crime of robbery. A person is guilty of this felony offense if they intentionally take another person’s property through the use of force or the threat of force with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property. This can lead to a felony conviction.

If the state proves each required element, the defendant will be found guilty of robbery. Proving that the defendant possessed, or pretended to possess, a dangerous or deadly weapon while committing the crime will upgrade it to armed robbery charges.

Maryland Criminal Law Treats Attempted Robbery the Same as Robbery

The penalty for an attempted crime is often much lower than that for completing the offense. This isn’t the case with attempted robbery in the state of Maryland. Under Maryland law, a person guilty of attempted robbery faces the same penalty as if they’d been successful.

Taking substantial steps toward committing the crime qualifies as attempted robbery in Maryland’s statutes. A person brandishing a gun and demanding that a stranger hand over their wallet can be charged with attempted robbery, regardless of whether the victim gives it up or flees.

What About Armed Robbery?

Like many other states, Maryland treats armed robbery as a separate crime from robbery. To convict someone of armed robbery, the state must show that the defendant committed a robbery using a dangerous or deadly weapon.

A weapon qualifies as deadly or dangerous if it can cause serious bodily injury or death. Examples of common weapons used in armed robberies include a firearm, a knife, or an explosive device.

Maryland’s armed robbery laws also state that you can be guilty of the crime by displaying a note claiming to possess a dangerous weapon, such as to a bank teller. The state can charge you even if you do not possess the weapon at the time.

Penalties for Robbery in Maryland

Robbery, attempted robbery, and armed robbery are all felony crimes in Maryland. A conviction of any of these offenses will result in a lengthy prison sentence and hefty fines. The court may also order the defendant to pay criminal restitution.

According to the Maryland Criminal Code, the penalties for robbery are as follows:

• Standard robbery: The maximum sentence for robbery is up to 15 years in prison
• Attempted standard robbery: The penalty for this offense is up to 15 years in prison
• Armed robbery: The maximum penalty for this crime is 20 years in prison
• Attempted armed robbery: Up to 20 years in state prison

A person guilty of armed robbery must serve at least 50% of their sentence before they are eligible for parole. Those facing robbery charges may also be accused of theft or other related crimes.

Defendants found guilty of robbery, attempted robbery, or armed robbery will also have to pay fines and restitution. The amount of the fine will depend on the facts of the case and the judge’s discretion. The specific amount of criminal restitution will depend on the value of the stolen property and whether the defendant caused any damage to the property.

Possible Defenses to Robbery in the State of Maryland

To secure a conviction, the state must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. A Maryland criminal defense attorney’s job is to put forth a defense that raises doubt in the minds of the judge or jury.

Some of the defenses available to a person facing robbery charges include:

• The property belonged to the defendant
• The defendant did not use force or the threat of force
• The individual did not have a dangerous or deadly weapon (in armed robbery cases)
• Mistaken identity
• Actual innocence
• The defendant did not intend to permanently deprive the victim of their property

Robbery is a crime of violence. Charges are serious, so consider speaking with a Maryland robbery lawyer who understands the law and can challenge the state’s case. When you attend your initial case evaluation, your attorney will discuss possible defense strategies with you.

Contact an Experienced Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer for Help

If you’re facing robbery charges, it’s a good idea to reach out to a Maryland criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after your arrest. It can be difficult to navigate the criminal justice system, even if you’re only facing misdemeanor charges. When you are fighting charges for a violent crime like robbery, you’ll want a skilled legal professional by your side.

Contact a Maryland robbery lawyer to schedule your initial case evaluation. Things move quickly after your arrest, and you don’t want to face these serious charges alone.