What Constitutes Robbery Under Pennsylvania Law?
Robbery is a serious criminal charge in Pennsylvania. It is classified as a felony offense. The Commonwealth defines robbery as a theft offense that is carried out with the actual or implied use of force. At The Hoover Firm, LLC, we have deep experience with robbery cases. Here, our Harrisburg criminal defense lawyer discusses robbery charges in Pennsylvania.
Robbery: Know the Law in Pennsylvania
Robbery is an extremely serious crime. To start, it is important to emphasize that these charges are brought under state law (commonwealth law), not federal law. Under Pennsylvania law (18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3701), robbery is a criminal offense that involves inflicting or threatening bodily harm during the commission of a theft. Specifically, robbery occurs when, during a theft, a person:
- Inflicts serious bodily injury on the victim;
- Intentionally puts them in fear of immediate serious bodily injury;
- Commits or threatens to immediately commit any first or second-degree felony; or
- Physically takes or removes property from the person of another by force, however slight.
In other words, robbery is a violent act of theft. It does not always require extreme violence. Even a relatively small amount of physical force or implied/threatened violence can be sufficient to justify a robbery charge in Pennsylvania.
What to Know About the Elements That the Prosecution Must Prove
All people charged with a criminal offense in Pennsylvania are innocent until proven guilty. Robbery charges are certainly no exception to the rule. To secure a robbery conviction, the prosecution must establish several elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
- Theft or Attempted Theft: The underlying act must involve unlawfully taking or attempting to take property.
- Force or Threat of Force: The defendant must have used actual physical force or conveyed an imminent threat of harm.
- Reasonable Fear: If relying on threats or intimidation, the victim must have reasonably believed serious harm could result.
- Causation/Intent: Finally, the defendant must have intended both the theft and the use of force or threat as part of that act.
Understanding How Robbery Differs from Related Offenses in Pennsylvania
Robbery is distinct from other theft-related crimes primarily due to its use of force or intimidation. A theft without violence is typically charged as larceny or burglary. Unlike burglary, robbery does not require unlawful entry but does require direct interaction with the victim. Notably, assault charges may also be filed in conjunction with robbery. It will always depend on the conduct involved. These are serious crimes. A top-tier Harrisburg, PA robbery defense attorney can review the charge, investigate the allegations, and protect your rights.
Consult With Our Harrisburg Robbery Defense Lawyer Today
At The Hoover Firm, LLC, our Harrisburg robbery defense attorney is standing by, ready to protect your rights, freedom, and future. If you or your loved one is facing a robbery charge, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a confidential consultation. With an office in Harrisburg, we defend robbery charges throughout the region in Central Pennsylvania.