Arrested for Robbery or Armed Robbery?

A person is guilty of robbery if he steals and immediately before or during he uses force or threatens to use force. Robbery can include the use of a weapon to threaten a victim.

Robbery generally falls into three categories.

* Street Robbery or Mugging is a low level type of crime, often committed by youths or people with drug dependancies. Money or other valuables such as a mobile phone are often demanded.

* Robberies of small businesses. These may involve one or two people, and might include a petrol station etc.

* Commercial robberies. These robberies vary from a security van robbery type offence, to well prepared and professional bank robberies committed by intelligent and experienced organised criminals.

Sentencing for Robbery

Obviously, armed robbery (i.e. with a weapon) tends to attract a more serious penalty than robbery with no weapon, but in fact judges use 3 levels of seriousness when deciding how to sentence.

“Level 1” seriousness is for a robbery with minimal force.

“Level 2” seriousness involves the use of a weapon.

“Level 3” Seriousness involves use of a weapon and a lot of force or serious injury.

Certain factors will increase the level of seriousness for the defendant.

These include:

* A vulnerable victim.

* A large number of people involved in the offence.

* Being a leader in the robbery.

* A high value of items taken.

* An offence at night.

* Offenders wearing a disguise.

Other factors that often decrease the level of seriousness and therefore the sentence include:

* The offence being unplanned/opportunistic.

* The defendant having only minor involvement in the offence.

* Voluntary return of property that was taken.

The Law on Robbery

This offence is governed by the Theft Act 1968.

This offence must be heard at a Crown Court before a judge and jury. The first hearing is at the Magistrates Court, before the case is sent directly to the Crown Court.

On conviction, this offence carries a maximum of life imprisonment, and sentences starting at 4 -5 years are common.