Robbery is a violent and dangerous criminal offense that combines assault with the wrongful taking of property. Due to the use of force, robbery carries heavier punishments than other theft crimes such as larceny or shoplifting. Defending against a robbery charge is complex and requires the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney.
The legal definition of robbery varies by jurisdiction, but generally it involves the unlawful taking of personal, as opposed to real, property from another person and accomplished through the threat or actual use of violence or fear. Robbery may be further broken down into types such as highway robbery, carjacking, or armed robbery, which involves the use of a weapon.
A common defense to a robbery charge is that the defendant did not intend to deprive the rightful owners of their property permanently. Another common defense to a robbery claim is that the defendant believed they were legally in possession of the property they took or that they did not take the property directly from, or in the presence of, its owners.
To avoid robbery charges you should make your home look occupied when you are away for long periods of time, and never walk alone on isolated roads or parks at night. You can also try to reduce the temptation to steal by not carrying valuables in public places and by using automatic timer-switches to turn on your lights when you are absent. You can also ask trusted neighbours, family or friends to check on your house and properties if you have to leave town for an extended period of time.