Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed August 15, 2018
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The terms theft and robbery are sometimes used interchangeably. However, that's not accurate because they are in fact two separate, albeit related, crimes. All robberies involve a theft (unlawful taking of property with the intent to deprive the owner), but not all thefts are robberies. What distinguishes the two offenses is that a robbery is a theft that involves the use of force or violence.
In Tennessee, there are three categories of robbery: robbery, aggravated robbery, and especially aggravated robbery. The specific charges will depend on whether you used a deadly weapon and whether the victim suffered serious bodily injury.
Aggravated robbery is equivalent to "armed robbery" in other states. For the weapon requirement, you don't have to really use the weapon on the victim. For instance, if you point to your pocket as if you're packing a gun, leading the victim to reasonably believe that you have a weapon, that action would meet the requirement and could trigger aggravated robbery charges.
A good way to get a handle on the law is by using an easy-to-read guide. The chart below is just that as it explains robbery laws in Tennessee in everyday language, rather than legal jargon.
Statutes |
Tenn. Code Annotated: |
Elements of the Crime
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Robbery: Intentional theft of property from another person by violence or putting the person in fear. Aggravated robbery: Robbery that includes the following:
Especially aggravated robbery: Robbery that includes the following:
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Possible Penalties |
The penalties can include a range of prison time and fines, but the actual penalties depend on individual factors such as criminal history of the defendant. The following are general guidelines of penalties for Tennessee's robbery offenses.
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Related Offenses |
Tennessee Code Annotated: |
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.
Tennessee's robbery laws yield very serious charges with strict penalties. If you've been accused of robbery in the state, then you need to turn to a Tennessee criminal attorney for help with your defense. An attorney can help guide you on the best way to proceed in your case.
Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.
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