In Missouri, the offense of robbery is charged as either a Class A or B Felony, depending on the circumstances. Due to the seriousness, it is strongly recommended that someone charged with robbery consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. For a free consultation with a Missouri criminal defense attorney, call The Law Offices of Benjamin Arnold at (913) 777-HELP, or visit us on the web at kcdui.com.

Elements of the Offense

Robbery is committed when someone forcibly steals property and causes physical injury, threatens force or is armed with a deadly weapon, or steals any controlled substance from a pharmacy.

Forcibly steals property

Robbery, as opposed to stealing, requires that force or the threat of force is used in stealing another person’s property.

Causes physical injury or is armed

Robbery is more severely punished if the person is armed, even if the weapon is actually a fake and they just intend to scare the victim. If a victim is seriously injured during the robbery, it will also elevate the level of the offense.

Severity of the Offense

As explained above, in any event robbery is a felony offense. The severity level of the felony depends on the particular circumstances of the offense, including any injuries to the victim. A Missouri criminal defense attorney may be able to assist in having the charges against you dropped or reduced.

Robbery in the second degree

This is robbery not involving a (purported) deadly weapon, a serious physical injury, or the theft of a controlled substance from a pharmacy. Second degree robbery is a Class B Felony, punishable by at least five (5) years in prison, but not more than fifteen (15) years.

Robbery in the first degree

First degree robbery involves either physical injury, the use or purported use or threat of a dangerous weapon, or if the offense involves the theft of a controlled substance from a pharmacy. First degree robbery is a Class A Felony, punishable by ten (10) years to life in prison.

The Takeaway

fDespite a grim outlook, it is not impossible to beat a delivery of a robbery charge. A skilled Missouri criminal defense attorney may be able to find error on the part of police which may result in evidence being suppressed, or even the case being thrown out in its entirety. Even if neither of these results are possible, an a criminal defense attorney may be able to make a case for diversion or suspended imposition of sentence if the prosecution is convinced there is a risk of going to trial. A criminal charge is not the end of the world, but it can have lasting consequences and be a giant hassle if you do not address it properly and keep the court satisfied. If you have been arrested for a crime in Kansas City, it is in your best interests to act quickly and secure competent legal representation. For a free consultation from an affordable criminal defense attorney, contact The Law Offices of Benjamin Arnold by phone at (913) 777-HELP, by email at ben@kcdui.com, or by visiting kcdui.com for more information.