To understand why you cannot (or, rather, should not) be accused of robbery due to accidental circumstances, you must first examine Florida law.
Under Florida Statute 812.13(1), the term “robbery” means “the taking of money or other property which may be the subject of larceny from the person or custody of another, with intent to either permanently or temporarily deprive the person or the owner of the money or other property, when in the course of the taking there is the use of force, violence, assault, or putting in fear.”
Robbery charges are felonies that fall under the following classifications:
- First Degree: Robbery committed with a firearm or any deadly weapon.
- Second Degree: Robbery committed without a firearm or any deadly weapon. Also called “Strong Arm” robbery.
- Sudden Snatching: Taking a person’s property while the victim is aware of the act. For example, stealing a woman’s purse from her person and running.
- Home Invasion: Entering someone’s home while occupants are present with the intention and the actual committing of a robbery.
- Carjacking: Taking a vehicle from someone by force, fear, violence, or assault. Whether or not a firearm or deadly weapon is used, this could lead to a first-degree felony conviction.