Robbery

What Is Robbery Under New Jersey Law?

Robbery is one of the most serious violent crimes in New Jersey. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1, robbery occurs when a person commits a theft and, in the course of doing so:

1. Inflicts bodily injury or uses force upon another,
   
   
2. Threatens or purposely puts someone in fear of immediate injury, or
   
   
3. Commits or threatens to commit another first- or second-degree crime.
   
   

In short, robbery is theft combined with violence or intimidation. Even if no one was physically harmed, the threat of force alone can elevate a simple theft to a robbery charge.

Degrees of Robbery in New Jersey

The severity of robbery charges depends on the circumstances of the offense—particularly whether weapons or injuries were involved.

🔹 Second-Degree Robbery (Standard Robbery)

Most robbery cases start as second-degree crimes under N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1(a). 

This includes situations where a person uses or threatens force while committing a theft, but no weapon is involved and no serious injury occurs.

Penalties for 2nd-Degree Robbery:

• 5 to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison
  
  
• Fines up to $150,000
  
  
• Subject to the No Early Release Act (NERA): You must serve 85% of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole.
  
  

🔹 First-Degree Robbery

A robbery becomes a first-degree crime if the defendant:

• Attempts to kill someone,
  
  
• Purposely inflicts or threatens serious bodily injury, or
  
  
• Is armed with a deadly weapon during the robbery.
  
  

Penalties for 1st-Degree Robbery:

• 10 to 20 years in prison
  
  
• Fines up to $200,000
  
  
• No Early Release Act (NERA) applies, requiring 85% of the sentence to be served before parole eligibility.
  
  

These penalties make robbery one of the most severe non-homicide offenses under New Jersey law.

Common Examples of Robbery in New Jersey

• Street mugging: Using threats or force to take someone’s wallet or phone.
  
  
• Store or gas station hold-up: Using or displaying a weapon while demanding money.
  
  
• Bank robbery: Armed or unarmed theft from a financial institution.
  
  
• Carjacking: Forcibly taking someone’s vehicle (a separate offense under N.J.S.A. 2C:15-2).
  
  
• Home invasion robbery: Entering a home to commit theft while using threats or force.
  
  

Even if no weapon was recovered, implied threats (like pretending to have a gun) can lead to a first-degree robbery charge.

Possible Defenses Against Robbery Charges

An experienced New Jersey robbery defense attorney can raise a number of defenses depending on the evidence and circumstances. Common strategies include:

• No intent to commit theft: The prosecution must prove intent beyond a reasonable doubt.
  
  
• No use or threat of force: If no threat or injury occurred, it may only be a theft or assault charge.
  
  
• Mistaken identity: Eyewitness identifications are often unreliable.
  
  
• False accusations: Robbery charges sometimes arise from misunderstandings or disputes.
  
  
• Illegal search or seizure: If police obtained evidence unlawfully, it can be suppressed in court.
  
  

A skilled lawyer can sometimes negotiate for reduced charges, such as theft or assault, or pursue Pretrial Intervention (PTI) for first-time offenders.

Why You Need a Skilled NJ Robbery Defense Lawyer

Robbery is considered a violent felony under New Jersey law. A conviction can mean years in prison, a permanent felony record, and severe impacts on employment, housing, and immigration status.

At the Law Offices of Matthew Cohan, our New Jersey criminal defense attorneys have successfully defended clients against violent crime charges throughout Newark, Jersey City, Camden, Trenton, Paterson, New Brunswick, Atlantic City, and beyond.

We know how prosecutors build robbery cases, how to challenge their evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and protect your rights at every step.

Contact a New Jersey Robbery Defense Attorney Today

If you’ve been charged with robbery in New Jersey, you need an experienced and aggressive criminal defense lawyer on your side immediately.

Call the Law Offices of Matthew Cohan today at (516) 375-1107 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll fight to protect your freedom, your record, and your future.