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 Jersey, robbery is codified under N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1 and is considered a serious felony offense. The statute defines robbery as committing a theft while either inflicting bodily injury or using force upon another, threatening another with or purposely putting them in fear of immediate bodily injury, or committing or threatening immediately to commit any crime of the first or second degree. If the perpetrator is armed with, uses, or threatens the immediate use of a deadly weapon, the robbery is elevated to a first-degree crime, otherwise, it is typically a second-degree crime. Aggravated robbery, which involves displaying a deadly weapon such as a gun or knife, or causing serious bodily injury, carries more severe penalties, including longer prison sentences. The potential punishment for a first-degree robbery can be 10 to 20 years in state prison, while a second-degree robbery can result in 5 to 10 years in prison. Both degrees of robbery also carry the possibility of fines and restitution.