Houston Truck Accident Lawyer

The Difference Between Robbery and Aggravated Robbery

Posted on 25. Jun, 2010 by Admin in Uncategorized

Robbery occurs when a person intentionally and knowingly steals property directly from a victim by means of violence or fear. With regard to robbery, “intentional” means that the person committed the activity with the expressed purpose of achieving their desired result. This means the perpetrator, for example, hit the victim to frighten him into surrendering his possessions. “Knowingly” means that the perpetrator is aware that their actions will be easily interpreted as a threat. The victim will be fully aware that he is being robbed and if he does not comply there may be physical consequences forthcoming immediately.

Robberies frequently occur after dark, when the robber can find cover from which to ambush their victim. The public nature of a robbery crime scene makes it hard to seal off. A robbery is usually not given the care nor manpower afforded to a murder scene. Therefore, robberies are difficult to solve and robbers may have numerous successful heists before being caught. Their eventual capture might, however, lead to numerous charges based on their method of operation. On some occasions, the victims are reluctant to report the crime, not wishing to go through the bother of the police report.

Robbery is usually a Class C felony, however, there are circumstances in which it is raised to a Class B felony. Then it becomes aggravated robbery, a much more serious charge.

To qualify as aggravated robbery, a deadly weapon must have been used in the commission of the crime, or else serious bodily injury must have occurred to the victim. Aggravated robbery occurs if a robber uses a gun to frighten the victim or uses a fist to punch the victim. Some states have yet a higher level of robbery called especially aggravated robbery, which means that both a deadly weapon was used and personal injury occurred.

This article is not intended to be legal advice. It is meant for information purposes only.

Those facing robbery charges in Texas should contact Attorney Michael Lowe.

Tags: aggravated robbery, robbery in texas, texas criminal law