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 Mississippi, robbery is defined under Mississippi Code Section 97-3-73. The statute describes robbery as the felonious taking of personal property in the possession of another, from his person or immediate presence, and against his will, accomplished by means of force or by putting the person in fear of immediate injury to his person or property, or the person of another. When a deadly weapon is used or when the victim suffers serious bodily injury, the offense escalates to armed robbery, which is covered under Section 97-3-79. Armed robbery is considered a more severe crime due to the involvement of a weapon or the infliction of injury, and it carries harsher penalties. Both robbery and armed robbery are felony offenses in Mississippi, with robbery carrying a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison, while armed robbery can result in life imprisonment or a term of years not less than three years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. The exact penalties for robbery offenses can vary based on the circumstances of the crime and the criminal history of the offender.