Robbery in Maryland is defined as using force to intentionally deprive another person of their property.  State law classifies this crime as a felony with a maximum sentence of up to 15 years in prison. Robbery and burglary are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but in reality have completely different meanings. If you hear somebody say that their house or car has been robbed, they are most likely referring to the crime of burglary. Robbery in Maryland requires some sort of person to person confrontation. Mugging is a common street term that is equivalent to robbery. This is a serious crime, and penalties can often be harsh because there is typically an actual victim that will be called to testify. For this reason, robbery is also a crime that has the potential for false convictions based on misidentification.

Victims of muggings can be placed under a great deal of pressure by police and prosecutors to correctly identify the person responsible for the crime. A robbery victim may also identify a defendant as the suspect even if he or she is unsure if the police have the correct suspect. Victims undoubtedly faced a stressful and traumatizing experience and may only feel closure to the situation once an arrest, any arrest is made. Misidentifications are all too common in Maryland robbery cases and therefore this is often the best defense. An experienced Baltimore robbery lawyer understands the severity of the crime of robbery, and will prepare your case with the best possible defenses.

Under Maryland law, prosecutors must prove a variety of elements or components of the crime in order to secure a conviction. A Baltimore robbery lawyer understands that more required elements means more available defenses. For example a case for robbery requires the government to prove that the defendant used violence or intimidation. If the prosecutor cannot prove violence or intimidation a defense lawyer may argue that the facts call for dismissal of robbery charges and the filing of a lesser charges such as theft. The government also has the responsibility of proving deprivation of the victim's property. Prosecutors can do this in any of four ways including presenting evidence that a robbery defendant deprived a person from their property permanently, or for a period that resulted in the defendant gaining use or value from the property. Prosecutors can also show that a defendant intended to hold the property until he or she received compensation for its return, or that the defendant disposed of the property.

Property has a wide range of definitions under Maryland robbery law. Property can mean anything of value including obvious things such as money, admission or transportation tickets, and food. Intangible items such as electricity, scientific data, and trade secrets also are classified as property under Maryland robbery law. Obtaining the services of another through force or threat of force is also covered by state law.  Robbery may be charged when a defendant forces or intimidates a person into providing services such as labor or professional services, lodging, public utilities, transportation facilities, toll facilities, and the use of computers or other data processing equipment. The services language of the Maryland robbery statute can be complex and confusing and the term threat of force can be highly ambiguous, leaving a defendant with a variety of legal defenses. If you or someone you know has been charged or is being investigated  anywhere in the state, contact a skilled Baltimore robbery lawyer for a free consultation.