In Michigan, the difference between larceny (theft) and robbery is that robbery involves the use or the threat of force. For this reason, robbery is a more serious crime carrying heavier penalties. There are two basic kinds of robbery: unarmed robbery and armed robbery. If you find yourself charged with any type of robbery, you should immediately contact a skilled and experienced Detroit robbery lawyer to help with your case.
The Penalties for Unarmed Robbery
If you get convicted of unarmed robbery, Michigan Penal Code section 750.88 and 750.530 states that you will face a maximum prison sentence of fifteen years. To obtain your conviction, the prosecutor will need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:
- You committed an assault against the victim, by either doing something that would cause a reasonable person to fear the use of force or actually threatening or using force against the victim
- At the time of the assault, you intended to take money or property from the victim
- If you assault the victim before or after taking the property—or even much later if the victim tries to get his or her property back from you—you can still be charged with unarmed robbery.
Armed Robbery Can be Punished By Life in Prison
According to Michigan Penal Code 750.529, you may be convicted of armed robbery if, in addition to the two elements of simple robbery explained above, the prosecutor can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you either:
- Had a weapon
- Told the victim that you had a weapon
- Used an object that a reasonable person would believe was a weapon
The penalty can be a term in prison of any number of years—meaning you could end up spending the rest of your life in prison if convicted.
