The criminal offense of robbery generally involves the taking of property from another person, in the presence of the other person, by violence, intimidation, or threat of imminent bodily injury or death, and with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property. And in some states the crime of robbery can become the more serious crime of aggravated robbery (with increased potential punishments) if the person exhibits a deadly weapon such as a gun or knife, or causes great bodily injury or death, for example.

Robbery is a felony offense punishable by significant jail or prison time. Laws regarding robbery offenses are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In Colorado, robbery is defined under Colorado Revised Statutes Section 18-4-301 and is considered a serious felony offense. The basic definition of robbery in Colorado aligns with the general description provided: it involves knowingly taking anything of value from the person or presence of another by the use of force, threats, or intimidation with the intent to permanently deprive the person of the item. Aggravated robbery, which carries harsher penalties, is addressed under Section 18-4-302 and occurs when the offender is armed with a deadly weapon, or if they wound or strike the victim, or put the victim in reasonable fear of death or bodily injury. Additionally, if the offender represents verbally or otherwise that they are armed with a deadly weapon, the crime also qualifies as aggravated robbery. Penalties for robbery can include a lengthy prison sentence, fines, and a permanent criminal record, with aggravated robbery being subject to even more severe consequences due to its violent nature.