Burglary, Theft, & Robbery Laws

Burglary, theft, and robbery are different crimes. These charges, especially robbery, are considered felonies and are serious in Washington State.

What is Robbery?

The Revised Code of Washington (RCW 9A.56.190), defines robbery as:

A person commits robbery when he or she unlawfully takes personal property from the person of another or in his or her presence against his or her will by the use or threatened use of immediate force, violence, or fear of injury to that person or his or her property or the person or property of anyone. Such force or fear must be used to obtain or retain possession of the property, or to prevent or overcome resistance to the taking; in either of which cases the degree of force is immaterial. Such taking constitutes robbery whenever it appears that, although the taking was fully completed without the knowledge of the person from whom taken, such knowledge was prevented by the use of force or fear.

In Washington State, robbery can be considered a first degree or second degree crime.

First Degree Robbery

According to RCW 9A.56.200 a person is guilty of robbery in the first degree, if he or she:

1. Is armed with a deadly weapon; or
2. Displays what appears to be a firearm or other deadly weapon; or
3. Inflicts bodily injury; or
4. Commits a robbery within and against a financial institution as defined in RCW 7.88.010 or 35.38.060.

Robbery in the first degree is a Class A felony and is punishable by life in prison and a $50,000 fine.

Second Degree Robbery

According to RCW 9A.56.210 a person is guilty of robbery in the second degree, if he or she:

1. Commits robbery.

Robbery in the second degree is a Class B felony and is usually punishable by up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $20,000.