Robbery

Also known as: Theft by Force

In one sentence

Taking property from someone by force, threat, or intimidation.

Plain English

Robbery is theft that involves force or the threat of force against a person. Unlike simple theft, where you take something without the owner knowing, robbery requires that you use violence or make the victim fear you will hurt them. The force or threat is what makes robbery more serious than shoplifting or burglary—it directly endangers the victim.

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Example

A man walks into a convenience store, pulls out a gun, and tells the clerk to put all the money in a bag. He takes the cash and leaves. This is robbery because he used a weapon and threatened the clerk to take the money.

Used in a sentence

“The defendant was charged with armed robbery after he used a knife to force the victim to hand over her purse.”

Related terms

Felony

A serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison or death.

burglary in the first degree

The most serious form of burglary, typically involving weapons, violence, or entry into a dwelling at night.

attempt

Trying to commit a crime but failing to complete it.

Self-Defense

The legal right to use reasonable force to protect yourself from harm.

Comparative Negligence

A rule that reduces damages based on the victim's own percentage of fault.

Stand Your Ground

A law allowing a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves without a duty to retreat.

Castle Doctrine

A law stating that a person's home is their castle and they can use force to defend it without duty to retreat.

Expungement

A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.