Armed Robbery

A person can be charged with Armed Robbery if, in the course of committing a larceny, possesses a dangerous weapon or an article used or fashioned in a manner to lead any person present to reasonably believe the article is a dangerous weapon, or who represents orally or otherwise that he or she is in possession of a dangerous weapon.

When you take someone’s property with the intent to deprive the owner of their property rights, it’s considered a larceny or a theft. When you add the element of violence, force, intimidation, or threats, then the offense constitutes robbery.

Robbery is treated as a more serious offense than theft.

The reason for the increase of the charge from Larceny to Armed Robbery is the additional element of force and violence brings potential for death or great bodily injury,

All robbery crimes in Michigan are classified as felonies.

A major distinction in robbery offenses is whether the offense included a weapon of some sort since the presence of a weapon elevates the charges of the crime.

Convictions in a single trial of both First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct and the underlying felony of Armed Robbery or Kidnapping are not barred by the double jeopardy provisions of either the United States or the Michigan Constitution.

Armed Robbery is considered a felony and can be found under MCL 750.529.

BLANK LAW, PC EXAMPLE

An individual who pushes a person and violently grabs her purse out of her hands has committed an unarmed robbery. What happens if instead of just grabbing the woman’s purse, the individual points a gun at her and demands the purse? The latter offense is considered an armed robbery because of the inclusion of the gun and carries stricter penalties than an unarmed robbery.

PENALTY
ARMED ROBBERY

A person charged with armed robbery is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for life or for any term of years.

If an aggravated assault or serious injury is inflicted by any person while violating this section, the person shall be sentenced to a minimum term of imprisonment of not less than 2 years.

DEFENSE
ARMED ROBBERY

• Mistaken identity – that a robbery may have occurred, but that the defendant didn’t do it.