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 Illinois, robbery is defined under 720 ILCS 5/18-1 as the taking of property from another person by the use of force or by threatening the imminent use of force. This offense is considered a Class 2 felony, which can result in a prison sentence of 3 to 7 years. However, if the robbery is committed in a school, day care center, day care home, part day child care facility, group day care home, or place of worship, or if the victim is 60 years of age or older or is physically handicapped, the crime is elevated to a Class 1 felony, with a potential sentence of 4 to 15 years in prison. Aggravated robbery, which involves indicating verbally or by actions to the victim that the perpetrator is armed with a firearm or other dangerous weapon, is also a Class 1 felony under 720 ILCS 5/18-5. If a firearm is actually discharged during the robbery, or if great bodily harm, permanent disability, disfigurement, or death is inflicted, the offender may be charged with armed robbery, a more serious offense under 720 ILCS 5/18-2, which is a Class X felony and carries a sentence of 6 to 30 years in prison. The use of a firearm in the commission of the offense can add 15 years to life to the sentence, depending on the circumstances.