Armed Robbery in Pennsylvania: How It’s Charged and Defended

As a criminal defense attorney with over 30 years of experience, I’ve represented clients across Pennsylvania facing robbery and firearm-related charges. If you or a loved one has been accused of armed robbery, here’s what you need to know.

🔹 What Counts as Armed Robbery?

In Pennsylvania, robbery (18 Pa. C.S. § 3701) is defined as taking property from another person through force or threat of force. If a weapon is used — or even displayed — the charge becomes significantly more severe.

Examples of armed robbery include:

• Holding someone up at gunpoint or with a knife

• Stealing money during a store hold-up

• Displaying what appears to be a firearm (even a fake one)

• Threatening serious injury while committing theft

🔹 Degrees of Robbery in Pennsylvania

Robbery charges are classified based on the level of force or threat used:

• First-Degree Felony Robbery: If the accused causes or threatens serious bodily injury or uses a deadly weapon

• Second-Degree Felony Robbery: If bodily injury is caused or threatened

• Third-Degree Felony Robbery: Force or threat is used, but no bodily injury occurs

Armed robbery is almost always charged as a first-degree felony, carrying the harshest penalties.

🔹 Penalties for Armed Robbery

A conviction for first-degree felony robbery can result in:

• Up to 20 years in prison

• Heavier sentencing if a firearm is used under Pennsylvania’s mandatory minimum gun laws

• Restitution and fines

• A permanent felony record that affects employment, housing, and more

Repeat offenders or those with prior violent felonies face even longer mandatory sentences.

🔹 Legal Defenses to Armed Robbery

Being charged does not mean you are guilty. There are multiple ways to defend against an armed robbery charge, including:

✅ Mistaken identity — especially in cases involving masked suspects
✅ Lack of intent to use force or commit theft
✅ No weapon was actually used or threatened
✅ Challenging surveillance or eyewitness credibility
✅ Illegally obtained evidence during arrest or search

Every case is different — an experienced attorney can assess the facts and build a custom defense strategy.

🔹 Don’t Face an Armed Robbery Charge Alone

Prosecutors take armed robbery cases very seriously, and so should you. Whether you’re falsely accused, misidentified, or your situation was misunderstood, your freedom depends on fast, skilled legal help.

📞 Contact Mark D. Hauser, criminal defense attorney, today for a confidential case evaluation.