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 New Hampshire, robbery is defined under RSA 636:1 and is considered a felony. The statute specifies that a person is guilty of robbery if they commit theft by purposely inflicting or attempting to inflict bodily injury, or by using force or intimidation. The crime escalates to armed robbery, which is a more serious form of the offense, if the perpetrator is armed with a deadly weapon at the time of the crime. If the weapon is used or the perpetrator threatens to use it, the offense may be further classified as a Class A felony, which carries more severe penalties. The presence of a deadly weapon, such as a gun or knife, or the infliction of serious bodily injury can lead to enhanced charges and increased potential punishments, including longer prison sentences. The specific penalties for robbery and aggravated robbery in New Hampshire depend on the circumstances of the crime and the criminal history of the offender, but both carry the possibility of significant incarceration.