Analyzing 3 Different Kinds of Robbery Crimes in Maryland
Robbery might seem like a straightforward crime. But there are many subtle differences between robbery and other types of theft crimes under Maryland state law. And the penalties for each type of robbery crime can be vastly different. To illustrate this concept, consider the following differences between robbery, armed robbery and carjacking under the Maryland criminal code.
- Maryland Laws Against & Penalties for Robbery
The definition of robbery appears under Maryland Code of Criminal Law Section 3-401. In general terms, there are three elements to a robbery crime in Maryland. The perpetrator must:
- Take property from the rightful owner without consent;
- Intend to permanently deprive the owner of the property; and
- Use force or the threat of force to take the property.
Additionally, Maryland law adds the following elements to robbery crimes:
- Robbery includes the use of force or the threat of force to obtain services unlawfully from another person; and
- Robbery requires proof of intent to permanently or otherwise unlawfully deprive the owner of possession of the property in question.
The penalties for robbery appear under Maryland Code of Criminal Law Section 3-402. Any person who commits this offense is guilty of a felony and potentially subject to a 15-year prison sentence.
- Maryland Laws Against & Penalties for Armed Robbery
The definition of armed robbery appears under Maryland Code of Criminal Law Section 3-403. A standard robbery offense becomes armed robbery if the perpetrator:
- Commits the offense with a dangerous weapon, such as a firearm; or
- Claims to be in possession of a dangerous weapon during the offense.
The penalties for armed robbery also appear in Section 3-403. Any person who commits this offense is guilty of a felony and potentially subject to a 20-year prison sentence.
- Maryland Laws Against & Penalties for Carjacking
The definition of carjacking appears under Maryland Code of Criminal Law Section 3-405. This is a special type of robbery crime that applies to motor vehicles. To qualify as carjacking, the offender must:
- Take unauthorized possession of a motor vehicle from the rightful owner; and
- Use force or the threat of force to take possession or control of the vehicle.
Section 3-405 also provides the definition of armed carjacking. This offense refers to the use or display of a dangerous weapon during the course of carjacking. In such cases, the perpetrator is guilty of armed carjacking under Maryland law.
The penalties for carjacking and armed carjacking both appear in Section 3-405. Any person who commits either of these offenses is guilty of a felony and potentially subject to a 30-year prison sentence.
Do You Need Legal Help?
If you have legal questions about robbery, armed robbery or carjacking in Maryland, it can be highly constructive to speak with a skilled criminal defense attorney. The attorneys at Iamele & Iamele, LLP in Baltimore, Maryland, feature proven capabilities in the field of criminal defense, including various types of robbery crimes. If you need legal help, contact us today for a free initial consultation.
https://www.iamelelawfirmbaltimore.com/robbery-armed-robbery-and-carjacking-in-maryland/
