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.”
Although violence is already a component of robbery, it can be escalated into an even more severe crime if the aggressor is carrying a firearm or other deadly weapon. In Florida, this crime may be referred to as robbery, robbery with a firearm, or robbery with a deadly weapon, among other variations of robbery.
Robbery can be classified in the following ways:
- 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.
The “10-20-Life” law in Florida requires courts to subject to a “minimum sentence of 10 years, 20 years, or 25 years to life for certain felony convictions involving the use or attempted use of a firearm or destructive device.” First-degree robbery (armed robbery) qualifies for this strict sentencing protocol.
As an example, if you were to commit a robbery using a gun or knife, you would be subject to the 10-20-Life rule.