Under Maryland law, armed robbery is governed by Maryland Code, Criminal Law § 3-403, which prohibits robbery with a dangerous weapon. In an armed robbery case in Maryland, the prosecutor has to show proof that the defendant took another person’s property, that force was used, and that a deadly weapon was involved. The definition of a deadly weapon is broad—it can include firearms as well as objects that are concealed but suggested to be weapons. Maryland courts interpret “dangerous weapon” broadly, including:
- Firearms (loaded or unloaded),
- Knives, clubs, or other inherently dangerous objects,
- Objects that may not be inherently dangerous but are used in a way that could cause serious harm or death (e.g., a toy gun implied to be real).
Contact a skilled criminal defense attorney from The Law Offices of Krum, Gergely, & Oates to learn more about Maryland’s penalties if facing armed robbery charges.
Armed Robbery as a Felony
Armed robbery under § 3-403 is a felony with a maximum penalty of 20 years of imprisonment. Since it is regarded as a violent crime, anyone convicted must serve at least 50% of their sentence before becoming eligible for parole because it is a felony; armed robbery cases are handled in circuit court, allowing the defendant the option to request a jury trial.
Potential Penalties for Armed Robbery
- Maximum Penalty: Confirmed as 20 years under § 3-403.
- Additional Charges: Armed robbery often involves related offenses like assault (§ 3-202 or § 3-203), theft (§ 7-104), or burglary (§ 6-202). Prosecutors frequently charge these separately.
- Firearm Charges: If a firearm is used, Criminal Law § 4-204 (use of a handgun in a felony or crime of violence) can add a mandatory minimum of 5 years without parole, often consecutive to the robbery sentence. Maryland courts have the discretion to impose consecutive or concurrent sentences under Maryland Rule 4-351, and consecutive sentencing is common for distinct offenses or enhancements.
As a result, the total punishment for an armed robbery conviction can be much higher than just the robbery charge alone.
Armed Robbery vs. Robbery Charges
A conviction for armed robbery adds five years to the potential sentence. The longest prison sentence for robbery is 15 years, while armed robbery is increased to 20 years. Additionally, defendants often face related charges, such as having a handgun while committing a violent crime, which can lead to further penalties. These additional charges can result in multiple consecutive sentences, significantly increasing the time behind bars.
Why You Need a Maryland Armed Robbery Attorney
Proper legal representation is crucial if you are facing armed robbery charges. The criminal defense attorneys at the KGO Law Firm understand Maryland’s legal system, including local judges, prosecutors, and jury dynamics. Their experience lets them anticipate how prosecutors may handle your case and what plea deals might be available. A lawyer who regularly practices in Maryland courts knows how to build a strong defense strategy.
Don’t face these serious charges alone—contact The Law Offices of Krum, Gergely, & Oates today to discuss your case and learn about your legal options.
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