How Does Pennsylvania Differentiate Between Robbery and Other Theft-Related Offenses?
In Pennsylvania, robbery is treated as a more serious offense than other theft-related crimes because it involves the use or threat of force during the act of taking property. Unlike other forms of theft, which may involve unlawfully taking something without confrontation, robbery includes physical violence, intimidation, or placing someone in fear of injury. Our criminal defense lawyer in Harrisburg explains how Pennsylvania differentiates between robbery and other theft-related offenses in more detail.
The Key Element that Makes Robbery Different: Force
Robbery is the most serious “theft-related” criminal offense in the Commonwealth. What sets it apart from other crimes within this broad category? The key factor is:
- The use of force or the threat of force during the commission of the theft. While all robbery cases involve the unlawful taking of property, it becomes robbery when the offender uses violence, intimidation, or fear to accomplish the act.
For example, snatching a purse without confrontation may be considered theft, but physically pushing the victim to take it elevates the crime to robbery. The presence of force or the fear of immediate bodily harm fundamentally changes the nature and seriousness of the crime.
Robbery Involves Violence or the Actionable Threat of Violence
Pennsylvania law is clear: Robbery is a violent crime. Under 18 Pa. C.S. § 3701, robbery is defined as committing a theft while inflicting serious bodily injury, threatening another with or intentionally putting them in fear of immediate serious bodily injury, or physically taking or removing property by force. To be clear, even if no actual injury occurs, a robbery charge can still be filed if the victim was placed in reasonable fear.
Not All Robbery Cases are the Same: Another important point to understand is that the law for robbery in Pennsylvania also includes specific aggravating factors, such as the use of a weapon or targeting certain vulnerable individuals (e.g., elderly persons or public transit employees), which can increase the severity of the charge.
An Overview of the Penalties for Robbery in Pennsylvania
Robbery is a felony criminal offense in Pennsylvania. A conviction for robbery is a serious crime that can carry serious criminal penalties. The classification of the robbery matters for the penalties. Here is an overview of the law:
- Third-Degree Robbery: This happens when the offender uses force but does not cause or threaten serious bodily injury. It is punishable by up to seven years in prison.
- Second-Degree Robbery: This crime involves threats of serious injury or theft of a motor vehicle. It can lead to up to 10 years in prison.
- First-Degree Robbery: The most serious form of robbery, this offense carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison in the Commonwealth.
Call Our Harrisburg, PA Criminal Defense Attorney Today
At The Hoover Firm, LLC, our Harrisburg criminal defense lawyer handles all types of theft-related cases, including robbery charges. If you or your loved one was arrested, we can help. Contact us today for a fully confidential consultation. With an office in Harrisburg, our firm serves communities throughout Central Pennsylvania.