What is the penalty if I am convicted of the crime of robbery?
In the state of Arizona, the crime of robbery is a serious offense that could carry with it the potential for jail time, fines and fees, and a permanent criminal record. Robbery is a theft crime that requires the use of force to take or attempt to take property against the victim’s will. There are three robbery crimes in Arizona, which vary in severity, but all robbery charges are felony crimes. As such, it is critically important to defend against this serious offense. Our Phoenix, Arizona robbery and burglary defense lawyers explain the crime of robbery in the state below.
Robbery and Armed Robbery Defined
The crime of robbery is defined in Arizona Revised Statutes Title 13 Criminal Code § 13-1902. Per the statute, a person commits the crime of robbery if he or she:
- Takes any property belonging to someone else;
- Takes the property from the person’s body or from their immediate presence;
- Takes the property against the person’s will;
- Uses or threatens to use force against the person with the intent to cause them to surrender the property or prevent resistance in keeping the property.
Robbery importantly differs from the lesser crime of theft because it requires the use of force or threatened force, as well as the taking of property from the person’s body or immediate presence. Robbery is a class 4 felony in the state of Arizona. It is punishable by a minimum of one year in prison for a first time offender, though prison time will increase if you have prior convictions.
The crime of aggravated robbery involves the same elements as robbery, with the addition of the aide of one or more accomplices present at the scene of the crime. Aggravated robbery is a class 3 felony, punishable by a minimum of two years in prison.
Armed robbery is the most serious robbery charge. It is defined as a robbery which in the course of its commission, the defendant or an accomplice was armed with a deadly weapon, toy, or replica of a deadly weapon, or used or threatened to use a deadly weapon, simulated deadly weapon, or another dangerous instrument. Armed robbery is punishable by a minimum of seven years in prison.
Defense Against Robbery Charges
Though robbery is a serious crime, there are several potential defenses you can raise to the charges you face. Common defenses against a robbery charge include mistaken identity, permission to take the property, a lack of intent, or a lack of force or threatened force. Your criminal defense attorney will closely review the facts of your specific case to determine the strongest defense. Do not put your future in jeopardy; call a defense attorney today to protect your freedom.