General Robbery Types You Should Know

While robbery generally includes certain characteristics, there are different types of robbery cases. In addition, there are differing types of robbery charges, depending on the nature of the crime. In general, robbery includes the theft of property, through the use of violence, or the threat of violence. Individual robbery cases will be assigned certain robbery charges based on the unique factors of the crime. For example, a robbery that results in the death or injury of a victim, is likely to include the most serious robbery charges prescribed by each state's criminal laws. Robbery charges will also be more severe, if the perpetrator brandished a weapon to achieve their desired results, even if the weapon was not actually used. Most robberies involve individuals that are robbed while in a public setting, such as on a street. Generally, robbery cases that involve groups of criminals, take place utilizing the threat of assault, or actual assault in the absence of a weapon. Victims are more likely to face a weapon if the robber is working alone. In fact, the most common weapon used to commit robbery, is a gun. In either case, robbery is a felony and the perpetrators will face serious criminal robbery charges. However, perpetrators that utilize weapons or force, in order to commit robbery, will likely face first degree robbery charges, especially if the victim suffered death or injury. Whereas, the robber that only utilizes the threat of violence, without causing any harm or carrying a weapon, will likely face a less severe prison sentence. Another type of robbery case involves home invasion. Whereas burglars generally try to avoid being confronted by their victims, robbers seek out entry when the victims are present in order to force victims to turn over all of their valuables. A burglar will search through the house, seeking valuables in the absence of advice from victims. Whereas, home invasion robberies involve the threat of violence, or actual violence in order to locate all of the valuables within the home. There are many other types of robbery cases. Often, robbery charges will vary depending on the tactics and intent of the perpetrators. When robbers intend harm to their victims, they will face the most serious robbery charges. Robbery cases that include the use of force, or the presence of weapons, offer proof of intent and premeditation. If however, only a threat of violence was utilized to gain compliance by the victim, it would be more difficult to prove that the perpetrator intended harm. In that case, the perpetrator would face less serious robbery charges. In any case, robbery is a felony and the intent of the perpetrator only effects the length or prison sentence in a minuscule way. In fact, most state's criminal laws prescribe a minimum sentence for all robberies.