Robbery

Robbery is one of the most serious crimes in Canada and it carries a penalty of up to life in prison. If a firearm is used in the robbery, the Criminal Code requires that a court impose a minimum four year sentence. Robbery may be committed in four ways.

343. Every one commits robbery who
(a) steals, and for the purpose of extorting whatever is stolen or to prevent or overcome resistance to the stealing, uses violence or threats of violence to a person or property;
(b) steals from any person and, at the time he steals or immediately before or immediately thereafter, wounds, beats, strikes or uses any personal violence to that person;
(c) assaults any person with intent to steal from him; or
(d) steals from any person while armed with an offensive weapon or imitation thereof.

Robbery varies greatly in the manner in which it may be committed. It may occur when someone steals a baseball cap and threatens to hit the person if that person resists. Or, it may involve a sophisticated robbery of a home or jewellery store with the use of a firearm. Obviously, the penalty will vary greatly, but regardless of the manner in which the offence occurs, a period in jail is the usual outcome. For that reason it is important to consult and retain an experienced criminal lawyer to examine the evidence and obtain the best possible result.

Contact one of the criminal lawyers at 30 Queen St. N. for a free consultation.