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What Factors Affect Robbery Sentencing?

Renee Booker
Renee Booker

The elements required to convict a person of robbery, as well as the factors that affect a robbery sentencing, will differ among jurisdictions. As a general rule, robbery is basically a theft that is accomplished by the use, or threat of use, of force. Factors that may affect a robbery sentencing include whether a weapon was actually used or not and what weapon it was. as well as whether or not the victim was injured. In addition, the dollar value of the property taken, the defendant's criminal history, and whether or not the defendant accepted a plea agreement will affect a robbery sentencing.

Theft, in most jurisdictions, is found when a person exerts unauthorized control over the property of another person with the intent to deprive the person of the property. A theft becomes a robbery when force, or the threat of force, is used to commit the theft. The force element does not require a weapon to be used; however, use of a weapon may elevate the robbery charge to a higher level. When a weapon is used, many jurisdictions charge the crime as "armed robbery" or "robbery with a deadly weapon," which is typically a higher level crime that carries a longer possible maximum sentence.

The use of a weapon may make the crime of robbery non-suspendable.
The use of a weapon may make the crime of robbery non-suspendable.

The use of a weapon may also make the crime non-suspendable. Some crimes, and some defendants, are considered "non-suspendable," meaning the minimum sentence cannot be suspended and the defendant may not receive probation as an alternative to incarceration. The use of a weapon may also affect a robbery sentencing in that it may have caused more severe injuries to the victim. Even if the weapon was not actually used, the threat of a weapon may have a serious psychological impact on a victim, which is something a judge is likely to consider when sentencing the defendant.

If the defendant accepts a plea agreement, the judge's sentence is bound by the terms of that agreement.
If the defendant accepts a plea agreement, the judge's sentence is bound by the terms of that agreement.

In many jurisdictions, the value of the property taken in the robbery also affects the sentencing. Sometimes, property over a certain dollar amount elevates the robbery to a higher level, which, in turn, elevates the potential robbery sentence. If the defendant accepts a plea agreement, which the judge ultimately accepts, then the judge is bound by the terms of the plea agreement with regard to sentencing in most jurisdictions. On the other hand, if the defendant loses at trial, then the judge is only confined by the maximum allowable sentence under the applicable statute.

Robbery sentencing often depends on whether or not the victim was injured.
Robbery sentencing often depends on whether or not the victim was injured.

The defendant's criminal history, if he or she has one, will affect a robbery sentencing. If the defendant has a substantial criminal history, particularly a history of violence, then he or she is more likely to receive a longer sentence than a defendant with little or no criminal history. In some cases, when a defendant has a previous felony conviction, he or she may be non-suspendable and, therefore, must receive at least the minimum sentence.

Discussion Comments

Viranty

@Chmander - It hasn't been discussed, but I feel that there's an important point that should be brought up. More than often, the sentencing for a crime really depends on how old you are. For example, if you're of a very young age, between five and ten, the police may not do much, and might just give you a warning, telling you that stealing is bad. However, the older you get, the more severe the consequences become. As a teenager, you'll spend time in a juvenile detention center, and as an adult...well, that's completely out of the question. The older you get, the more people expect you to act your age, and the larger the consequences for your actions are.

Chmander

The last paragraph is on the nose, especially when it discusses how a sentence is dependent on a person's history. Sometimes, you may even get a second chance, but it's not always likely. Big or small, crimes can have long term effects, and the consequences are even larger. If you can't do the time, then don't do the crime.

RoyalSpyder

As the article states, many of the factors that affect a robbery sentencing depend on the type you committed, and whether you used force or not. For example, stealing from someone's person is definitely a crime, but if you assault them as well, or use physical force, the charges will go up. A crime is a crime, but there are always factors that affect the severity of the situation.

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    • The use of a weapon may make the crime of robbery non-suspendable.
      By: BlueSkyImages
      The use of a weapon may make the crime of robbery non-suspendable.
    • If the defendant accepts a plea agreement, the judge's sentence is bound by the terms of that agreement.
      By: nicolasjoseschirado
      If the defendant accepts a plea agreement, the judge's sentence is bound by the terms of that agreement.
    • Robbery sentencing often depends on whether or not the victim was injured.
      By: Felix Mizioznikov
      Robbery sentencing often depends on whether or not the victim was injured.