Robbery in Maryland is the crime of theft by force, violence, or placing in fear of violence. Robbery is much more serious than a plain theft. It is a crime of violence, and has much higher maximum penalties.
In order to be guilty of robbery in Maryland, there must be a theft, by force or threat of force. The force involved does not have to be particularly significant, but there does have to be some force. For example, if someone snatches someone’s purse, there is usually going to be a tug on their shoulder as the bag is removed, and that is force. That being said, it is possible that a bag or other item might be coupled to a person so loosely or weakly that it could be taken without any sort of force on the person with the bag, possibly without them even being aware of the theft. That would be a theft, but not a robbery.
A threat of force is sufficient in lieu of actual force. For example, if a person threatens someone indicating that they will beat them if they resist while stealing their goods from their presence, there is a threat of force.
The thing being stolen may be a service rather than an item, such as professional services, transportation, or lodging. A robbery might include forcing someone to fix your car upon threat of being beaten, or by forcing someone to let you ride on a bus using a threat of violence in lieu of payment.
Robbery is a felony in Maryland and carries a maximum sentence of 15 years.
Armed Robbery
Robbery with a dangerous weapon, also known as armed robbery, is the crime of robbery using a dangerous weapon, or by displaying a written instrument that claiming that you have a dangerous weapon.
Armed robbery is a felony in Maryland and carries a maximum penalty of 25 years.
The law in Maryland on armed robbery is a bit odd in that if you say you have a dangerous weapon, but do not actually have one, the way that you claim to have a weapon makes a difference. If you incorrectly say that you possess the weapon you cannot be guilty of armed robbery, but if you make the same incorrect claim of having a dangerous weapon in a writing, you can be guilty of armed robbery.
Both robbery and armed robbery are serious crimes with high sentencing guidelines. If you are charged with either, call me at (301) 556‑8709 immediately.
Carjacking
Carjacking is essentially the crime of robbery of a motor vehicle. It is the taking of unauthorized possession or control of a motor vehicle from a person who possesses the vehicle by force, violence, or by putting in fear of violence. An armed carjacking is a carjacking where a dangerous weapon is used or displayed during the carjacking.
Both carjacking and armed carjacking are felonies in Maryland, and carry a maximum sentence of 30 years.
If you or a loved one is charged with robbery, armed robbery, or carjacking, call me at (301) 556‑8709, so that I can start defending your future.
