Robbery is defined as the theft of property or money through use or threat of physical force. Many people engaging in thievery do not realize that they exacerbate, or worsen, the theft charges by implying or using force, intimidation or violence.

If a deadly weapon is used on the victim, it is called armed robbery. Armed robbery is one of the most serious charges a person can face. When the victim sustains injury during the theft, it’s called aggravated robbery. For both armed and aggravated robbery, the penalties are more severe.


Theft occurs when a person takes someone else’s property. The thievery may or may not be in the presence of the property owner. Theft convictions have dropped more than 30 percent since 1990, according to the United States Uniform Crime Report. This may be due in part to stronger criminal defenses.

Penalties for robbery or theft can include:

Prison sentence
Restitution to the victims (repayment of property)
Court mandated counseling
Penalties for robbery are more extensive than for theft and can include a much longer prison sentence and/or probation, greater fines, more restitution and additional charges if a weapon is involved or the victim is injured.

The punishment and severity of punishment for theft are based on what was stolen and its market value. Crimes range from petty to grand theft. Petty theft usually applies to items valued at less than $400. Grand theft applies to items over $400 and whenever a firearm is stolen. Grand theft is usually punishable by imprisonment in state prison, whereas petty theft will land perpetrators in the county jail. Additional factors that determine punishment include past criminal record, parole/probation status, the degree of media attention to a case, and other circumstances. First-time offenders often receive much more leniency than someone who has already been convicted of stealing.

The Experience and Resources to Build Your Case

Often the person charged with the theft is not the person who stole the property. Instead, he/she may have unknowingly purchased stolen goods from the actual thief. Other times the person charged with theft has not stolen property at all, when the person claiming ownership of the goods may have sold or gifted the goods, only to claim later that they were stolen. There is also the possibility of an incomplete investigation, misjudgment or misconduct on the part of law enforcement agents.

A strong criminal defense lawyer will conduct an investigation to gather as many details on the circumstances surrounding the crime as possible. This research requires a law firm with financial resources and experience in criminal defense. Your attorney will then analyze the facts and get expert testimony to support your case. Relevant witnesses must also be interviewed to build a thorough defense on your behalf. Your case will be strongest when built by an attorney with in-depth knowledge of the criminal defense area of law.

Have you been charged with a robbery crime?

If you are a potential client, please contact the knowledgeable and dedicated attorneys of Fairfield Criminal Defense Attorneys for a free consultation to learn more about your rights. Theft and robbery charges are serious, especially aggravated or armed robbery, and you are not alone. You can count on one of our experienced attorneys to fight for the best possible outcome for your situation.