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 Alabama, robbery is defined under the Alabama Criminal Code (Section 13A-8-40 to 13A-8-43) and is considered a serious felony offense. The basic definition of robbery in Alabama aligns with the general description provided: it involves the taking of property from another person by force, threat of force, violence, or by putting the victim in fear of immediate serious physical harm. The offense becomes aggravated robbery, which Alabama law refers to as 'Robbery in the First Degree,' when the perpetrator is armed with a deadly weapon or causes serious physical injury to another. This is outlined in Section 13A-8-41 of the Alabama Criminal Code. Robbery in the First Degree is a Class A felony, which carries a potential sentence of 10 to 99 years or life in prison. Lesser degrees of robbery, such as Robbery in the Second and Third Degree, involve different circumstances and carry varying degrees of punishment, but are still considered felonies with significant penalties.