The North Carolina General Statutes describe robbery as the unlawful taking of property from another individual by the use of force or by the threat of force. It is a felonious offense under state law.
The law recognizes different types of robbery and assigns different penalties to accompany each one. For example, robbery with a dangerous weapon is its own specific offense, deemed to be a more serious crime than a common-law robbery and carrying harsher penalties than those accompanying a common-law robbery. Whereas individuals accused of common-law robbery may be charged with a class-G felony, individuals accused of robbery with a firearm may be charged with a class-D felony. Individuals accused of aiding or abetting a robbery with a dangerous weapon may also face a class-D felony under North Carolina law.
The law sets forth specific penalties for those who rob a locomotive or any part of a train. Individuals convicted of train robbery may be deemed a class-D felon.
Safecracking is another specific offense carrying specific penalties. People who enter a safe by using explosives, a stolen combination, other safecracking implements or surreptitious means may be convicted of a class-I felony under the law.
Penalties for felony convictions can include lengthy terms of imprisonment, fees, fines and probation. The assistance of a criminal defense lawyer might be helpful for people accused of common-law robbery or any other type of robbery. For, the attorney may utilize resources and strategies to mount a felony defense. By strategically contesting the allegations made by the prosecution and perhaps even proffering exculpating evidence, the defense lawyer may help accused individuals avoid a conviction and the severe penalties that accompany it.