Harford County Man Arrested for Robbery & Armed Robbery Crimes

Local law enforcement arrested a 32-year-old man from Harford County for robbery and armed robbery after three incidents in the past month, according to an article by CBS Baltimore.

The original incident stemming from this arrest traces back to July 19th. That is when the Harford County man allegedly entered a store in the 3600 block of Conowingo Road in Street. After brandishing a knife and receiving an undisclosed amount of money in cash, the perpetrator fled the scene.

Several days later, on July 22nd, the Harford County man allegedly robbed the same store again. Although the perpetrator escaped again with an undisclosed amount of money in cash, there was no indication that he had a dangerous weapon.

Finally, just before 11 p.m. on July 22nd, the Harford County man allegedly robbed a different store in the 1200 block of Main Street in Darlington. The perpetrator approached a store employee and demanded money, without using a dangerous weapon. Then the perpetrator fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money in cash.

At this point, the authorities have charged the Harford County with robbery, armed robbery, and several other criminal offenses. While this man awaits his day in court, it seems appropriate to review Maryland laws concerning robbery and armed robbery.

What is the Definition of Robbery in Maryland?

Maryland Code of Criminal Law Section 3-401 provides the definition of robbery. This crime applies whenever a person uses force — or the threat of force — to take something from a victim. Under Maryland law, robbery can apply to property, money, and services.

In order to qualify as a robbery crime, Maryland law requires proof of intent to withhold the victim’s property:

• Permanently without any intention of returning the property;
• For long enough to appropriate part of the property’s value;
• With the intention of returning the property only upon receiving a reward; or
• Until the property ceases to be valuable or recoverable.

What are the Penalties for Robbery in Maryland?

Maryland Code of Criminal Law Section 3-402 highlights the penalty for robbery crimes. Under this section, any person who commits robbery is guilty of a felony. Upon conviction, the penalty scheme includes a maximum of 15 years in prison.

What is the Definition of Armed Robbery in Maryland?

Maryland Code of Criminal Law Section 3-403 outlines the definition of armed robbery. A standard robbery crime becomes armed robbery if the perpetrator:

• Uses a dangerous weapon during the crime; or
• Displays a written instrument claiming to have a dangerous weapon during the crime.

What are the Penalties for Armed Robbery in Maryland?

Section 3-403 also details the Maryland penalty for armed robbery crimes. Under this section, any person who commits armed robbery is guilty of a felony. Upon conviction, the penalty scheme includes a maximum of 20 years in prison.

Let Us Help You Today

If you need legal help with criminal charges for robbery or armed robbery in Maryland, it can be decidedly constructive to speak with a skilled Bel Air robbery attorney. The attorneys at Schlaich & Thompson, Chartered have more than 60 years of combined legal experience in criminal and family law, including robbery and armed robbery. If you need legal help, contact us today for an initial consultation.