North Carolina Robbery Laws

Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed February 06, 2018

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Robbery is a crime that's similar to theft, but it's committed in the presence of the victim. For this reason, it's classified as a more serious crime than theft, usually a felony. North Carolina robbery laws distinguish between robbery with a dangerous weapon (such as a firearm), train robbery, and robbery at common law, all of which are classified as felonies. While the statutes define robbery with a dangerous weapon and train robbery, they don't define robbery at common law. Instead, that form of robbery is generally defined by courts as the taking of someone else's personal property from his or her person or in his or her presence through the use of violence, intimidation, or threat of force.

North Carolina Robbery Laws Overview

Below you'll find key provisions of robbery laws in North Carolina.

Statute(s)

North Carolina General Statutes
What's Prohibited?

Robbery with Firearms or Other Dangerous Weapons: Unlawfully taking (or attempting to take) personal property from another person, a business, or home while there are people present and while possessing, using, or threatening to use a dangerous weapon. It's also prohibited for a person to aid or abet in the commission of this crime.

Train Robbery: Showing or discharging a gun in or near a locomotive engine or car in order to compel a person to give up something of value.
Charges Robbery with a Firearm or Other Dangerous Weapon and Train Robbery are both class D felonies. Any other type of robbery as defined at common law, is a class G felony.
Penalties

Felonies are punished based on the provisions provided by Section 15A-1340.13, et seq. While there are various factors that influence the penalties for a felony conviction, an offender who doesn't have previous convictions can be punished as follows:

  • Active punishment* between 51 and 64 months for a class D felony.
  • Intermediate or active punishment between 10 to 13 months for a class G felony.

*In North Carolina penalties are separated into active, intermediate, and community punishment. As a general guideline:

  • Active punishment requires a prison sentence.
  • Intermediate punishment requires supervised probation.
  • Community punishment doesn't include imprisonment or special probation.

Related Statute(s)

 North Carolina General Statutes Section 14-89.1 (Safecracking)

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.

North Carolina Robbery Laws: Related Resources

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Charged with Robbery in North Carolina? Talk to an Attorney

Conviction under North Carolina's robbery laws can result in imprisonment, and a mark on your permanent record. With such serious consequences, it's in your best interests to contact a skilled criminal defense attorney in North Carolina to discuss your case and learn about your options.

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