A Short Note On: Robbery

Robbery is essentially theft through violence or force and falls into two basic categories; armed and unarmed. Since robbery has a violent component, it is considered a more serious crime than theft. Think of theft as someone being sneaky as they steal money or property from another. As oppose to robbery where the victim is aware of the theft and is prohibited from stopping the thief out of fear or an inability to fight back against violent force.

Armed Robbery is governed by Massachusetts General Law Part IV Title I Chapter 265 section 17, which states; Whoever, being armed with a dangerous weapon, assaults another and robs, steals or takes from his person, money or other property which may be the subject of larceny shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life or for any term of years. The punishment is more severe if during the robbery, the assailant dons a mask or anything that causes facial distortion. Punishment is greater yet if during the commission of the robbery, the assailant is armed with certain firearms.

Unarmed Robbery is governed by Chapter 265 section 19(b), and states; Whoever, not being armed with a dangerous weapon, by force and violence, or by assault and putting in fear, robs, steals, or takes from the person of another, or from his immediate control, money or other property which may be the subject of larceny, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life or for any term of years.

Robbing a convenient store while wearing a mask and pointing a shotgun at the cashier (ex. armed robbery) is more serious than snatching a woman’s purse while walking down the street (ex. unarmed robbery). Nevertheless, robbery, whether armed or unarmed, is a serious crime that carries severe criminal liability.

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