Law
Fact-checked

At MyLawQuestions, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is Attempted Robbery?

Felicia Dye
Felicia Dye

When a person is charged with attempted robbery, he is accused of having the intention to unlawfully take property he does not own. For some reason, an actual robbery did not occur, but notable progress was made. Trying, therefore, is still considered a criminal offense and conviction is usually a felony. There are some circumstances that may aggravate such a charge, resulting in a harsher judgment.

There are generally several elements involved in an attempted robbery. To begin with, a person accused of this crime must have tried to take property that belongs to someone else without the owner's permission. That property may have been on a victim's person, such as in her hand or her pocketbook. Attempted robbery can also involve items not on but still owned by a victim, such as those in an office or in a vehicle.

A failed attempt to take another person's property could be considered attempted robbery.
A failed attempt to take another person's property could be considered attempted robbery.

Attempted robbery also tends to involve the stipulation that the accused had no intention of returning the item. If, for example, a person had a tendency to secretly take office supplies belonging to a co-worker and to return them afterward, then although there was a lack of permission granted by the owner, it does not generally constitute robbery. An unsuccessful attempt at such behavior, therefore, would not constitute attempted robbery.

In most places, conviction of attempted robbery is a felony.
In most places, conviction of attempted robbery is a felony.

To be convicted of attempted robbery, the prosecution usually must show that a person came very close to completing the crime. This is often done by highlighting the circumstances of the attempt. Generally, the reason that robbery was not fully executed is beyond the control of the person charged with the crime.

For example, a person may have entered a house with the intention to commit robbery. An alarm may have signaled police and the accused may have fled before he took anything because he saw the patrol car. In many instances, the circumstances contribute to how harshly the crime will be judged.

Attempted robbery may cover items on a victim's person that the thief attempted to steal, like a purse.
Attempted robbery may cover items on a victim's person that the thief attempted to steal, like a purse.

One common misconception about this crime is that it requires the use of weapons. In most jurisdictions, the criminal code makes no such reference when outlining the elements of the crime. The consequences are often more severe, however, if innocent people are subjected to potentially dangerous situations or if they are harmed when the crime is executed.

A victim of attempted robbery may choose to take a firearms class for self-defense purposes.
A victim of attempted robbery may choose to take a firearms class for self-defense purposes.

Conviction of attempted robbery in most places is a felony. Usually, the consequences for this crime are less severe than those that would be issued for an actual robbery. There are still significant chances that if a person is found guilty he will be incarcerated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is attempted robbery?

Attempted robbery is a criminal offense that happens when a person uses or threatens to use force to steal property from another person or business. To be termed attempted robbery, the individual must have taken a significant step toward conducting the robbery but ultimately been unsuccessful in carrying it out.

What distinguishes attempted robbery from robbery?

A person who is found guilty of attempted robbery will face incarceration.
A person who is found guilty of attempted robbery will face incarceration.

The primary distinction between attempted robbery and robbery is that robbery entails the actual taking of goods by force or threat of force, whereas attempted robbery entails an unsuccessful attempt to commit the crime. Robbery is a more serious offense than attempted robbery and is frequently penalized harshly.

What are some of the most typical methods employed in robberies?

Attempted robberies may entail the use of weapons like guns or knives, as well as threats of violence or harm. They may also involve breaking into companies or houses to take valuable objects or cash.

What are the legal ramifications of attempted robbery?

An individual who attempts to take possession of a car may be charged with attempted robbery.
An individual who attempts to take possession of a car may be charged with attempted robbery.

Attempted robbery is a serious crime with serious legal penalties, such as fines, imprisonment, and a criminal record that might affect future employment and other possibilities. The severity of the punishment will be determined by the specifics of the crime, such as whether weapons were used, the value of the item targeted, and any injuries sustained during the attempted robbery.

What should I do if I am the victim of a robbery attempt?

If you are the victim of an attempted robbery, you must immediately contact law enforcement and report the occurrence. If you were hurt during the attempted robbery, you should seek medical assistance immediately. Maintain any evidence that may be related to the crime, such as witness statements or surveillance film, and fully cooperate with the police investigation.

Discussion Comments

anon321211

I was wondering if an attempted armed robbery can be dropped down to a misdemeanor?

anon274852

Those are not robberies, but rather burglaries. Robbery is the taking by force or threat of same, while burglary is theft by stealth.

kylee07drg

We have a lottery going at work. Everyone puts $5 a week in a big pot at the center of the room, and we draw numbers for the winner each Friday. The pot is in the open, so no one tries to steal from it.

Due to downsizing, one employee lost his job two weeks ago. Desperate for money, he remembered the lottery pot. He waited until late Thursday night after everyone had gone home, and he broke into the building.

What he did not know was that security patrolled the building at night. A guard caught him with his hand in the pot, pulling out large wads of cash. So, not only did he lose his job; he lost his freedom for seven months when he went to prison for attempted robbery.

OeKc05

The new lady at work befriended me right away. I soon became aware of her habit of taking things off my desk, and that ended the friendship.

At first, she would just take paper clips. This was mildly annoying, because I would have to go to the supply closet for more. However, I didn’t consider her actions stealing, because she used what she took at work. It just inconvenienced me.

However, when my personal items started coming up missing, I had to confront her. I had taken off my rings and bracelet while typing a long report, and I left my desk for just a moment. When I returned, they were gone.

She denied taking them, but I saw them in her purse. I told my boss, and he fired her. I filed charges against her for attempted robbery, because I knew that she would try it again wherever she went.

seag47

A man tried to take my purse while I was walking down a street. He did not think my reflexes would be as fast as they were, and he was taken by surprise at how quickly I got a death grip on it.

We struggled for a moment. He realized that everyone was getting a good look at him, and fearing that someone stronger might come to my aid, he fled.

I called the police, and though I filed a report, they didn’t have a lot to go on. He had been wearing a ski mask, long sleeves, gloves, and pants, so all I could describe was his approximate height and weight. I know that if he is caught, he will go to prison for attempted robbery.

StarJo

I once had a robber in my house. I saw him coming up the driveway, and I hid in the secret room beneath the stairs. I could see through a peephole, and I called 911 when I heard him rattling the doorknob.

He broke the glass in the door. He walked in and started to lift the big screen television. Fortunately, a cop had been driving near my house when he heard about my call on his radio. Before the robber could exit the door, the cop arrived and placed him in handcuffs.

Though he had no weapon, his intentions were obvious. He served a year for attempted robbery.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A failed attempt to take another person's property could be considered attempted robbery.
      By: BlueSkyImages
      A failed attempt to take another person's property could be considered attempted robbery.
    • In most places, conviction of attempted robbery is a felony.
      By: yahyaikiz
      In most places, conviction of attempted robbery is a felony.
    • Attempted robbery may cover items on a victim's person that the thief attempted to steal, like a purse.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Attempted robbery may cover items on a victim's person that the thief attempted to steal, like a purse.
    • A victim of attempted robbery may choose to take a firearms class for self-defense purposes.
      By: jurra8
      A victim of attempted robbery may choose to take a firearms class for self-defense purposes.
    • A person who is found guilty of attempted robbery will face incarceration.
      By: andreykr
      A person who is found guilty of attempted robbery will face incarceration.
    • An individual who attempts to take possession of a car may be charged with attempted robbery.
      By: martinfredy
      An individual who attempts to take possession of a car may be charged with attempted robbery.