Sentencing and Punishment of Aggravated Robbery
Sentencing and punishment for violent crimes, especially felonies, tends to be harsh and long in duration. However, all sentences will be determined by a variety of factors and must fit within that particular jurisdiction’s sentencing guidelines. In some jurisdictions, aggravated robbery charges can incur sentences up to twenty-five years. In fact, some jurisdictions allow for a sentence of life in prison if the suspect is a repeat offender. Most judges take specific factors under advisement when sentencing an individual that has been found guilty of robbery charges. The special factors, or characteristics of robbery charges, can greatly increase sentences in duration and in the type of prison in which a criminal will be confined. Generally, robbery charges incur lengthy prison sentences in maximum security prisons due to the violent nature of the crimes. In addition, some robbery charges are governed by Federal sentencing guidelines, and those criminals will serve time in Federal prison. Federal sentencing guidelines apply to certain robbery charges. For example, aggravated robbery of a financial institution will incur Federal charges and include time in a Federal prison. Certain factors will significantly add to time in Federal prison, including threats, injuries, kidnapping, and other events that were caused by the commission of the felony crime. In both State and Federal aggravated robbery charges, deaths that occur as a result of the crime will result in murder charges as outlined by the felony murder rule. That death can occur in any manner so long as it was a direct or indirect result of the felony crime. If the robbery charges are made by a State, the suspect will face State-specific sentencing guidelines and those can vary greatly. Like Federal sentencing guidelines, each State will include certain factors in robbery charges. For example, the value of property stolen can affect the sentence. In addition, the form of intimidation used to gain victim compliance can also affect the sentence. In general, each and every factor of the crime is used as a determination in sentencing. Like all violent criminals, those found guilty of aggravated robbery charges are likely to face a long sentence in prison. Many times, violent offenders are housed in maximum security prisons which can greatly limit the convict’s movements. In fact, criminals housed in maximum security prisons have little or no contact with other inmates. In addition, individuals convicted of violent felonies are not likely to get early release. If the individual is found guilty of aggravated robbery charges and has previously been found guilty of other crimes, they may even face life in prison with no possibility of parole.
