A long time ago, mugging was a common way of referring to the act of taking property directly from another, usually in a public place like a park or alleyway. In the modern world, these offenses are just called robberies, and can come with severe penalties upon conviction.
Understanding robbery charges and the potential penalties if convicted is crucial in getting the best possible outcome for your situation.
3 degrees of robbery in New York
Like most states, New York divides robbery into separate degrees of severity. The specific robbery charge filed against defendants hinges on the specifics of each incident.
First-degree. The most serious charge, first-degree charges can apply in cases involving severe physical force (or threat of force), serious injury, very young victims and the use of a weapon.
Second-degree. Violence, or a threat of, is also a factor in second-degree charges. If the threat was not particularly serious and/or no one got hurt, you may face this lesser charge instead.
Third-degree. Displaying a credible threat of force during robbery can lead to third-degree charges. For example, just shoving someone or pretending to have a weapon may be enough to cause you trouble.
The potential consequences of a robbery conviction can be significant, regardless of its severity. For example, a robbery categorized as a class B violent felony is punishable by up to 25 years imprisonment.
If you or a loved one is anticipating potentially serious robbery charges, legal representation can help you build a sound defense. The sooner you act, the better chances you have of getting your charges reduced or perhaps overcoming your circumstances entirely.