As reported by Donita Naylor in the January 8, 2015 edition of the Providence Journal, a Pawtucket man was arrested for robbing a liquor store in Central Falls. The man allegedly threatened a store employee with a knife and left with cash. He was later arrested and charged with first degree robbery. He is currently being held without bail.
Pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws 11-39-1 defines first degree robbery as every person who shall commit: (1) robbery by use of a dangerous weapon; (2) robbery where a victim is injured; or (3) robbery where the victim is a person who is severely impaired or an elderly person; shall be guilty of first degree robbery.
(c) For the purposes of this section:
(1) "Person who is severely impaired" has the same definition as provided in § 11-5-11; and
(2) "Elderly person" means a person sixty (60) years of age or older.
The penalties if convicted of first degree robbery include imprisonment for not less than ten (10) years and may be imprisoned for life, or fined not more than fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000), or both. The possibility of life imprisonment makes this a capital offense.
Second degree robbery is defined as every person who shall commit robbery or other larceny from the person by force or threat, where there is no weapon and no injury and the victim is neither a severely impaired person or an elderly person, shall be guilty of second degree robbery.
The penalties if convicted include imprisonment for not less than five (5) years nor more than thirty (30) years, or fined not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or both.
If you or a family member has been charged with robbery, arson or other capital offenses, please allow Attorney Robert H. Humphrey's reputation, experience and skill to successfully guide you through the legal process. Please contact Attorney Robert H. Humphrey, Esq., at 401-816-5862 or e-mail him at rhh@rhumphreylaw.com.