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Robbery is one of Florida’s most serious criminal charges. If you have been charged with robbery, it is absolutely essential that you consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
According to Florida Statutes § 812.13, robbery is defined as “the taking of money or other property… from the person or custody of another… when in the course of the taking there is the use of force, violence, assault, or putting in fear.”
Penalties
The punishment for robbery depends on the type of robbery charged. There are five general types of robbery charges under Florida law including…- Robbery or Strongarm Robbery: This is your most basic form of robbery. This type of robbery is a 2nd degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in state prison.
- Robbery By Sudden Snatching: This is best described as a theft that turns into a robbery. It is a theft where “in the course of the taking the victim was or became aware of the taking.” Robbery by sudden snatching is a 3rd degree felony punishable by up to 5 years in state prison.
- Armed Robbery: A standard robbery becomes the more serious crime of armed robbery if a firearm or other weapon is used. If a firearm is used in a robbery, it becomes a 1st degree felony punishable by life in state prison. If a non-firearm weapon is used is a robbery, it becomes a 1st degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in state prison.
- Carjacking: This is the taking of a motor vehicle… from the person or custody of another… when in the course of the taking there is the use of force, violence, assault, or putting in fear.” Standard carjacking is a 1st degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in state prison. Armed carjacking is a 1st degree felony punishable by up to life in state prison.
- Home-Invasion Robbery: This is a robbery that occurs when an offender enters into a dwelling with the intent to commit a robbery, and does commit a robbery of the occupants therein. Standard home-invasion robbery is a 1st degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in state prison. Armed home-invasion robbery is a 1st degree felony punishable by life in state prison.