Crime in the Keystone State has gone down drastically. In 2022, there were 309,981 crimes committed in Pennsylvania, and 222,473 crimes in 2023. Of those crimes, 5,938 were robberies. While a declining number of crimes is a good thing, there are still people who are being charged with robbery and need to know what penalties they face.
The penalties for robbery can be severe. Even at their most lenient, they include punishments like extensive prison time. If you are facing a robbery charge or live in Pennsylvania and don’t know the consequences of committing robbery, Pike Law can break down the penalties you and/or your loved ones may face in the future.
What is Robbery?
Robbery is a type of theft crime in which you are accused of taking someone’s property through the use of threat or force. This is different from larceny and burglary, which are also theft crimes. The former involves stealing someone’s property, sometimes from their person, without the use of threat or force. The latter involves breaking into someone’s home or business to steal from them.
The Different Robbery Penalties in Pennsylvania
You will face multiple penalties for a robbery charge if you are found guilty. Your charges are heavily affected by the type of robbery charge you are accused of, including armed robbery, aggravated robbery, carjacking, and bank robbery.
These types are separated by whether or not you use weapons during the robbery, what you are stealing, and who you are stealing from. It is possible to have a robbery charge that qualifies as several types of robberies.
The penalties are separated into three degrees, similar to the penalties for other criminal charges as well.
Third-Degree Robbery
A third-degree robbery charge is where you are accused of forcibly stealing from someone without using any type of weapon. In this instance, you have not threatened them with bodily harm, and the victim is more or less physically unharmed. Penalties for this include:
- Up to 7 years in prison, with potential probation
- Fines up to $15,000
- Restitution to the victim(s)
Second-Degree Robbery
A second-degree robbery charge is where you are accused of causing someone bodily injury or threatening them with bodily injury. This does not include the use of a weapon. Penalties for this include:
- Up to 10 years in prison, with longer probation periods if granted
- Fines up to $25,000
- Restitution to the victim(s)
First-Degree Robbery
A first-degree robbery is where you are accused of inflicting serious bodily harm to someone during a robbery, using or threatening to use a weapon, stealing a controlled substance from someone, stealing a motor vehicle, or robbing a bank. These are the most severe penalties for robbery, and they include:
- Up to 20 years in prison, with low chances of probation. Probation will be longer if granted at all.
- Fines can be up to $25,000
- Restitution to the victim(s)
Contact the Criminal Defense Attorneys at Pike Law For Help
Robbery makes up one of the most common felony charges in Pennsylvania. One of the best ways to deter it is to make sure everyone is informed of the consequences. That being said, this won’t stop people from receiving unjustified robbery charges. This can be due to several things, such as:
- Misunderstandings
- Police injustice
- Incorrect charges
- Mistaken identity
- And more
If you have received this serious charge, there is no time to waste. You need to contact the criminal defense team at Pike Law. We have the experience and knowledge you need to battle these serious charges.
The lead attorney at Pike Law, John B. Pike, has been representing people in the Northeastern Pennsylvania area for over 35 years. He understands the penalties for robbery in this state and is dedicated to helping you fight your charges. Contact us today.
