What Are The Maryland Penalties For Different Robbery Crimes?

The definition of robbery appears at Maryland Code of Criminal Law Section 3-401. Under this section, robbery occurs when the perpetrator:

• Takes another person’s property;
• Intends to permanently deprive that person of such property; and
• Uses force or the threat of force to complete the crime.

Section 3-401, clarifies that robbery can include obtaining a service from another person using force or the threat of force. In addition, robbery requires proof of intent to withhold another person’s property:

• Permanently;
• For a time that leads to at least partial appropriate of the property’s value;
• With the aim of garnering a ransom, reward, or other compensation; or
• To dispose of or deal with the property in a way that makes recovery unlikely.

That being said, the Maryland laws against and penalties for robbery usually fluctuate based on the circumstances of the offense. In reality, there are three different versions of robbery in Maryland: (1) Robbery, (2) Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, and (3) Carjacking.

1. Robbery

The laws against and penalties for robbery appear at Maryland Code of Criminal Law Section 3-402. Any person who commits robbery in violation of Section 3-402 can face felony charges and up to 15 years in prison.

2. Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon

The laws against and penalties for robbery with a dangerous weapon appear at Maryland Code of Criminal Law Section 3-403. This section prohibits any person from committing robbery:

• With a dangerous weapon; or
• By indicating in writing possession of a dangerous weapon.

Any person who commits robbery in violation of Section 3-403 can face felony charges and up to 20 years in prison.

3. Carjacking

The laws against and penalties for carjacking appear at Maryland Code of Criminal Law Section 3-405. A person commits carjacking under this section if they:

• Take unauthorized possession or control of any motor vehicle; and
• Use force or violence or the threat of force or violence to complete the crime.

Section 3-405 also prohibits the use or display of a dangerous weapon in the course of committing carjacking. This is referred to as armed carjacking. Though the penalty remains unchanged, as explained below.

Any person who commits carjacking or armed carjacking in violation of Section 3-405 can face felony charges and up to 30 years in prison.

Do You Need Legal Help?

If you have legal questions about robbery crimes under Maryland law, it can be incredibly valuable to consult with an accomplished 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. If you need legal help, contact us today for an initial consultation.

SOURCES:

mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcr&section=3-401&enactments=true

mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcr&section=3-402&enactments=True&archived=False

mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcr&section=3-403&enactments=True&archived=False

mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcr&section=3-405&enactments=True&archived=False