Unarmed Robbery

Massachusetts G.L. c. 265, § 19 governs the crime of unarmed robbery. The law defines unarmed robbery as the act by which an individual through force, violence, or assault, robs, steals or takes money or property from the control of another person, without the use of a dangerous weapon. Unlike the crime of armed robbery, the use of a weapon is not needed to substantiate this crime, merely the use or threat of force. While armed robbery is considered a more serious offense, both crimes carry significant penalties. In an effort to deter criminals, Massachusetts imposes harsh penalties on those convicted of unarmed robbery. A person convicted of unarmed robbery faces imprisonment for any terms of years in a state prison with the maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The defendant may not be found guilty of unarmed robbery unless the Commonwealth proves beyond a reasonable doubt each of the following:

1. The robbery, stealing or taking was done by force and violence or by assault and putting in fear;
2. The defendant robbed, stole or took money or other property with the intent to steal;
3. The taking was from the person of another or from his or her presence.

Unarmed Robbery of a Person Sixty Years or Older

The law in Massachusetts recognizes that those persons advanced in age are less likely to be able to defend themselves and their possessions. The law also recognizes that a robber is less likely to pull a gun on a person sixty years or older, and instead may choose to grab their possessions and run. Due to this tendency, the law seeks to impose strict punishments on those who commit unarmed robbery of a person sixty years or older. If convicted of first offense unarmed robbery of a person sixty years or older, the crime is punishable by life imprisonment or imprisonment for a term of years in state prison. In addition, Massachusetts imposes a mandatory minimum of two years imprisonment for any subsequent offender.

Defenses to Unarmed Robbery

Unarmed robbery cases require the legal defense skills of an experienced and competent Massachusetts unarmed robbery defense attorney who possesses a thorough amount of knowledge in this area of the law. There are many defenses to the crime of unarmed robbery including but not limited to lack of probable cause, improper of unduly suggestive eyewitness identification or lack of proximity of the items or possessions near the alleged victim of the unarmed robbery. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the case, unarmed robbery charges can be reduced to “Larceny from a Person”, a less serious offense. Your robbery offense in Massachusetts requires the utmost care and attention to detail that only an skilled Massachusetts unarmed robbery defense attorney can provide.

Boston, Massachusetts Unarmed Robbery Criminal Defense Attorney

The criminal consequences associated with unarmed robbery are severe, and could lead to you spending significant time in state prison, including up to life imprisonment. If you or someone you know has been charged with unarmed robbery, it is essential that you contact an experienced Massachusetts criminal defense attorney immediately. The Law Office of Patrick J. Murphy has successfully defended unarmed robbery cases in courts throughout Massachusetts. Boston criminal defense lawyer Murphy has been practicing criminal defense law in Massachusetts for decades, and his expertise and dedication to his clients have resulted in favorable outcomes. Put Attorney Murphy’s skill and expertise to work for you. To contact the Law Office of Attorney Patrick J. Murphy today for a free and confidential discussion of your case, please call (617) 367-0450 or contact form on our website.