What Is Robbery?

Full Video Transcript

Robbery is a serious crime that is punishable in most jurisdictions by a severe prison sentence. While every jurisdiction may define this crime differently, robbery is typically the act of depriving another person of their property by using the threat of harm or intimidation. For example, if a woman was walking on a sidewalk and someone tried to swipe her purse and run away, this would probably only be charged as a theft. However, if the woman was threatened with a knife and told she must give up her purse, this raises the offense to the more serious crime of robbery. Additionally, within the crime of robbery are different degrees of the crime to account for the various methods or weapons that can be used to threaten or intimidate a victim. If you or someone you know has been charged with a robbery, it’s important to speak with an experienced attorney immediately.