Robbery
What is Virginia law on Robbery?
Virginia law on robbery involves the theft of property in combination of some sort of threat or force. Virginia’s Robbery law, Va. Code 18.2-58 was amended, effective July 1, 2021, to the following:
- Any person who commits robbery and causes serious bodily injury to or the death of any other person is guilty of a Class 2 felony,
- Any person who commits robbery by using or displaying a firearm as defined in § 18.2-308.2:2; in a threatening matter is guilty of a Class 3 felony.
- Any person who commits robbery by using physical force not resulting in serious bodily injury or by using or displaying a deadly weapon other than a firearm in a threatening manner is guilty of a Class 5 felony,
- Any person who commits robbery by using threat or intimidation or any other means not involving a deadly weapon is guilty of a Class 6 felony.
“Serious Bodily Injury” means “bodily injury that involves substantial risk of death, extreme physical pain, protracted and obvious disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ, or mental faculty.” Va Code. 18.2-51.4(E)
How is it punished?
As outlined above, the punishment for Robbery depends on the nature of the offense.
If the offense involves serious injury or death, it is a Class 2 felony punishable by up to life incarceration.
If the offense involves the use or display of a firearm (or simulated firearm), it is a Class 3 felony punishable by up to 20 years incarceration.
If the offense involves physical force not resulting in serious bodily harm, or the use of a weapon other than a firearm, it is a Class 5 felony punishable by up to 10 years incarceration.
If the offense involves threat or intimidation, but none of the above, it is a Class 6 felony punishable by up to 5 years incarceration.
What is attempted Robbery in Virginia?
Attempted Robbery is also punished heavily in Virginia. It is just as illegal and carries serious penalties even though the crime was never completed. Attempted Robbery is also a felony and carries possible sentences as if the offense was completed.
Locations we serve:
It is important for someone charged with Robbery in Virginia to hire a criminal defense attorney who is close to the jurisdiction they are charged in. We are located right next to the Alexandria Courthouse and minutes away from Arlington, Fairfax, and Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) courts. Our firm handles these cases in many locations throughout Northern Virginia such as:
Alexandria General District Court
Arlington General District Court
Fairfax County General District Court
Prince William County General District Court
Loudoun County General District Court
Eastern District of Virginia, Alexandria Court
Should you get an attorney?
Yes, robbery and attempted robbery are serious charges with even more serious consequences. You need an attorney who can evaluate your individual case, facts of your case, any defenses you might have, and knows the local procedures for your jurisdiction. Contact our office today for a free case consultation with out Northern Virginia Criminal Defense Attorneys.
