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Robbery is one of the most heavily prosecuted violent felonies in Pennsylvania. In Bucks County, law enforcement and the District Attorney’s Office take a zero-tolerance approach to crimes involving theft combined with force or the threat of violence. Whether the incident involves a misunderstanding, an empty threat, or a physical altercation, a robbery conviction can result in decades of imprisonment and a permanent violent felony record.

If you have been charged with robbery in Bucks County, your freedom and your future are in jeopardy. At SKA Law Group LLC, our experienced criminal defense attorneys understand the high stakes involved. We know how to aggressively challenge the prosecution’s evidence, dispute the element of force, and fight for your rights at every stage of the criminal justice process.

Robbery vs. Theft: What is the Difference in Pennsylvania?

Many people confuse robbery with theft, but under Pennsylvania law, they are very different crimes with vastly different consequences.

Theft involves taking someone else’s property without permission. Robbery, defined under 18 Pa.C.S. § 3701, occurs when a person commits a theft *and* uses force, threatens force, or puts the victim in fear of immediate bodily injury.

The defining element of robbery is violence or the threat of violence. You do not need to use a weapon or physically harm anyone to be charged with robbery. Even a slight use of force, such as grabbing a purse from someone’s shoulder, or implying you have a weapon to intimidate a store clerk, is enough to elevate a standard theft charge to a felony robbery charge.

Penalties and Grading for Robbery in Bucks County

Because robbery involves the threat or use of violence, it is always graded as a felony in Pennsylvania. The severity of the charge depends on the level of force used and whether a weapon was involved.

First-Degree Felony (F1): This is the most severe robbery charge. It applies if you inflict serious bodily injury, threaten someone with immediate serious bodily injury, or commit the robbery while armed with a deadly weapon. It also applies if the object of the robbery is a controlled substance. A conviction is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
Second-Degree Felony (F2): This charge applies if you inflict bodily injury (that is not considered “serious”) or threaten someone with immediate bodily injury during the theft. It also applies to robbing a financial institution by making a demand of an employee. A conviction is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
Third-Degree Felony (F3): This charge applies when property is taken from another person using “force however slight,” such as purse-snatching or pickpocketing where the victim feels the force. A conviction is punishable by up to 7 years in prison and a $15,000 fine.

Defending Against Robbery Charges in Bucks County

A robbery charge is an accusation, not a conviction. The prosecution must prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, including the critical element of force or threat. At SKA Law Group LLC, we utilize several defense strategies to fight robbery charges:

Disputing the Use of Force: If we can prove that no force, threat, or intimidation was used, we may be able to have the felony robbery charge downgraded to a misdemeanor theft charge, drastically reducing the potential penalties.
Challenging Eyewitness Identification: Robberies often happen quickly and in chaotic environments, leading to unreliable eyewitness identifications. We challenge suggestive police lineups and cross-examine witnesses to expose inconsistencies.
Suppressing Illegal Evidence: If the police violated your constitutional rights by conducting an illegal search and seizure or coercing a confession, we will file motions to suppress that evidence, which can lead to the charges being dismissed.
Lack of Intent: If you did not have the intent to commit a theft, the robbery charge cannot stand.