There are many people who believe that theft, burglary, and robbery are all the same crime. However, they are different and have their own laws regarding the acts. It is important to be aware of these laws and their consequences. When a person commits robbery, it is a serious offense that can result in lifelong burdens as a result. It is because of this that it is important to retain the help of an experienced Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney when facing these situations.
What is Robbery?
A person can be convicted of robbery if they do any of the following in the course of committing a theft:
- If they inflict serious bodily injury to another
- Threatens another with or intentionally puts them in fear of immediate serious bodily injury
- Commits or threatens immediately to commit any felony of the first or second degree
- Inflicts bodily injury upon another or threatens another with or intentionally puts him in fear of immediate bodily injury
- Physically takes or removes property from the person of another by force, however slight
- Takes or removes the money of a financial institution without the permission of the financial institution by making a demand of an employee orally or in writing with the intent to deprive the institution
What are the Penalties of Robbery?
When a person commits a robbery, it is considered a third degree felony in Pennsylvania. This can result in up to seven years in prison. However, if bodily injury is caused during the commission of a crime, it can be considered a second degree felony. This carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. If the defendant seriously injures another or puts them in fear of serious bodily injury during the commission of the crime, it is considered a first degree felony. This is also the case in the event that they commit a robbery of a motor vehicle while another person was in lawful possession of the vehicle. A first degree felony can result in a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
What are Defenses to Robberies?
When a person is charged with a robbery, it is important that they retain the services of an experienced Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney to provide them with the proper defense. This can included the following:
- No theft was committed. This may be if the person is reclaiming property they own or taking property they believed they owned.
- No injury occurred during the commission of the crime. However, this is only a defense option in some circumstances, as some robberies do not require an injury to occur.
- The victim was not placed in fear of injury.
- Intoxication, entrapment, or duress occurred.
Contact our Firm
Attorney Newman has represented clients in Pennsylvania for over 45 years. If you need an experienced attorney to help guide you through the personal injury claims process or with any criminal defense matters, Attorney Newman is ready to help. Contact The Law Office of Neal E. Newman today to schedule a consultation.