Comparing Various Robbery & Carjacking Crimes in Maryland

Maryland law criminalizes various offenses against the person, including multiple versions of robbery and carjacking. These theft crimes involve the use or threat of force. Though depending on the circumstances of the offense, the Maryland punishment generally increases or decreases accordingly.

Before discussing the penalties for robbery or carjacking, it will be helpful to review the definitions of these offenses under the Maryland Criminal Code.

Maryland Definitions of Robbery & Carjacking

The Maryland Criminal Code mostly relies on the common law definition of robbery. In other words, a perpetrator commits robbery if they use force — or the threat of force — to steal a victim’s property. In Maryland, robbery can also involve the use of force or threats to obtain services from a victim.

Under Maryland Code of Criminal Law Section 3-401, property and services can include:

• Property — Money, real estate, financial or commercial instruments, and similar items of value; or
• Services — Labor, telecommunications, utilities, lodging, food, computers, and similar services.

If a person commits robbery while in possession of a dangerous weapon — or while displaying a note claiming to have a dangerous weapon — it is considered armed robbery in Maryland.

If a person uses force or violence to take unauthorized possession of a motor vehicle, it is considered carjacking in Maryland. Though if a person commits carjacking with using or displaying a dangerous weapon, it is considered armed carjacking in Maryland.

Armed with an understanding of the definitions of these offenses, it is possible to evaluate the different punishments involved under Maryland law.

Maryland Punishment for Robbery

Maryland Code of Criminal Law Section 3-402 makes it illegal to commit or attempt to commit robbery. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a felony crime and subject to a maximum prison sentence of 15 years.

Maryland Punishment for Armed Robbery

Maryland Code of Criminal Law Section 3-403 makes it unlawful to commit or attempt to commit robbery. Any person who violates Section 3-403 is guilty of a felony crime and subject to a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.

Maryland Punishment for Carjacking

Maryland Code of Criminal Law Section 3-405 makes it illegal to commit or attempt to commit carjacking. Any person who violates this requirement is guilty of a felony crime and subject to a maximum prison sentence of 30 years.

Maryland Punishment for Armed Carjacking

Section 3-405 also makes it unlawful to commit or attempt to commit armed carjacking. Any person who violates this requirement is guilty of a felony crime and subject to a maximum prison sentence of 30 years.

Contact Us Today for Legal Assistance

If you need legal assistance with Maryland charges for robbery or carjacking, it can be exceedingly helpful to reach out to a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney. The Bel Air criminal attorneys at Schlaich & Thompson, Chartered are prepared to help you with your case. Contact us today for help.

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