Robbery is defined as a criminal act that occurs when a person takes property from someone else against their will, and uses force or fear to achieve the crime. The property may be a person’s money, belongings or something in their immediate possession. Robbery is a serious felony that carries severe punishments, including imprisonment. It also counts as a strike under California’s Three Strikes Law.
Robberies often happen when people are carrying large sums of cash or valuable jewelry, such as a person taking money to deposit at the bank, or store employees bringing in deliveries or collecting the day’s receipts. They may be carried out by armed criminals who threaten their victims with the use of deadly weapons.
If the robbery involves a weapon, it is usually charged as first degree robbery. Robbery charges drop to second degree robbery if the victim is not threatened with the use of a deadly weapon or the infliction of bodily harm.
If you are a victim of robbery, it is important to stay calm and cooperate with the criminals as much as possible. If safety permits, try to give the robber bait money and note their description (such as scars, shape of eyes, height, body structure, hair color, clothing), and the vehicle make and license number. If there are any witnesses, try to get their name and contact information.
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