Maryland Robbery Laws

The idea of "cops and robbers" is ubiquitous in our society. Whether we’re talking about a movie, video game, comic book, or child’s game of tag, certain images comes to mind when we think of a "bank robber." But make no mistake about it, robbery is not child’s play, especially in the state of Maryland. In fact, robbery and armed robbery can land you in prison for a very long time.

Elements of Robbery in Maryland

For a robbery to take place under Maryland law, the defendant must intentionally take the property or services possessed by another person through the use of force or threat of force with the intent to deprive the owner of the property permanently. Armed robbery is a distinct crime in Maryland.

In order to be guilty, the defendant will have done all of the same acts as in a robbery crime, but with the use of a dangerous or deadly weapon such as a firearm, knife, or any other weapon that can cause serious injury or death. In fact, just displaying a note claiming to possess a dangerous weapon, whether the suspect uses or even possesses the weapon, can result in a conviction under this law. For more information about the associated crime of carjacking, see the chart below.

Maryland Robbery Laws at a Glance

The charges and penalties under Maryland’s robbery laws are in the following chart. Keep in mind there is a separate charge for an armed robbery offense in Maryland.

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.

Maryland Codes and Court of Appeals Opinions

• Code of Maryland
• Maryland Court of Appeals Opinions

Additional Resources

If you have additional questions about Maryland’s robbery laws, click on the following links below to learn more:

• State Robbery Laws
• Robbery Defenses
• Maryland Criminal Statute of Limitations Laws

Charged With Robbery? Contact a Local Attorney Today

The penalties and consequences associated with a robbery, armed robbery, or even carjacking conviction can be severe. Having a strong criminal defense strategy is imperative. You can learn more about the possible defenses available to you by speaking with a Maryland criminal defense attorney.