Definition of Robbery in Virginia

A robbery in Virginia is a serious felony and is punished with 5 years up to life in prison.  If you are wondering, what is the definition of robbery in Virginia, read the post below.

Definition of Robbery in Virginia

What is the definition of robbery in Virginia?  A robbery in Virginia is taking property from a person by force or violence with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of his property.

Robbery in Virginia is Theft by Force

Taking: A taking occurs when an offender acquires control over property.

Personal Property: The Commonwealth must prove that the offender took personal property.  The victim does not need to be the owner of the property to convict an offender of robbery in Virginia.

From Person or his Presence: A robbery in Virginia is committed when property is taken by force from a person or from his presence.  If a person does not have actual physical control over property, but is close enough to the property to exert control over it, the property is in his presence.

Intent: The Commonwealth must prove that the offender intended to permanently deprive the owner of his property.  This intent must exist at the time of the taking and at the time of the violence.

Violence: The violence must have occurred prior to or at the same time as the taking.  This element is met if the Commonwealth can prove either force, threats, violence, or intimidation.