Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed February 14, 2018
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When you take someone's property with the intent to deprive the owner of their property rights, it's considered a larceny or a theft. When you add the element of violence, force, intimidation, or threats, then the offense constitutes robbery. Because the additional element of force and violence brings potential for death or great bodily injury, robbery is treated as a more serious offense than theft.
All robbery crimes in Michigan are classified as felonies. A major distinction in robbery offenses is whether the offense included a weapon of some sort since the presence of a weapon elevates the charges of the crime. For example, an individual who pushes a person and violently grabs her purse out of her hands has committed an unarmed robbery. What happens if instead of just grabbing the woman's purse, the individual points a gun at her and demands the purse? The latter offense is considered an armed robbery because of the inclusion of the gun and carries stricter penalties than an unarmed robbery.
The chart below provides a summary of statutes related to Michigan's robbery laws, including links to important code sections.
Statutes |
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Penalties |
Robbery: Anyone who is in the process of committing a larceny (theft) and uses force or violence against the person present, assaults the person, or puts the person in fear is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for up to 15 years. The crime includes acts that occur:
Armed Robbery: Armed robbery carries a penalty of a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. This offense combines robbery coupled with the robber committing the following actions:
Carjacking: Anyone who commits larceny of a motor vehicle with the use of force or puts the driver, passenger of the car in fear, is guilty of a felony punishable by a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. |
Possible Defenses |
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Related Offenses |
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.
If you've been accused of robbery or carjacking then you'll likely want to connect with a skilled attorney who can assist with your strategic legal defense. Find a Michigan criminal defense attorney in your area today to learn more.
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