People hear the word “robbery” all the time. There was a robbery at the bank. He was a robbery victim.
It seems clear enough, doesn’t it? A robbery conjures up images of violence and forceful taking. Is there anything more to it than the simple notion of a wrongdoer with a gun in hand taking the property of another?
Actually, there is. In fact, a fair amount of complexity can surround a robbery accusation or charge. Many people might be surprised to hear that robbery can even be a charged crime when no weapon was involved at all.
There are many variations in wording in sources assessing robbery in Colorado, but they all revolve around this central notion: the taking of property from a person through some level of force, intimidation or threat.
That might mean a gun. Alternatively, it could involve a knife, bat, broken bottle, clenched fists or no visible weapon at all.
Spotlighting robbery categories in Colorado
Prosecutors charging robbery in Colorado follow a scheme that differentiates between so-called “simple” and “aggravated” crimes. It prominently notes this:
- Simple robbery – felony charge not indicating the use or brandishing of any weapon that does not automatically lead to prison time
- Aggravated robbery – felony charge where a potentially deadly weapon in on display; involves enhanced penalties and a mandatory incarceration term
Prosecutors view robbery with utmost seriousness and routinely seek maximum felony sanctions against charged individuals. A criminal suspect or defendant might reasonably want to timely secure knowledgeable and aggressive legal defense help aimed at maximally mitigating the consequences.