Robbery in Manassas

A Robbery in Manassas is Theft of Property by Force or Violence

Robbery in Manassas (Va. Code §18.2-58) is the taking of property from another person by violence with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of his property.  Robbery in Manassas is a very serious offense and is punished with up to life in prison.

Proof of Robbery in Manassas

To convict an offender of a robbery in Manassas under Va. Code §18.2-58, the Commonwealth must prove:

• a taking
• of personal property
• by violence, force, threats or intimidation
• from a person or his presence
• with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of his property.

Taking: A taking occurs when an offender acquires control over property and moves it in any way.

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 a robbery in Manassas.

From Person or his Presence: Robbery in Manassas is committed when property is taken by force from a person or from his presence.  Property is in a person’s presence if the person does not have actual physical control over the property, but is close enough to the property to exert control over it.

Intent: The Commonwealth must prove that the offender intended to permanently deprive the owner of his property.  The intent to permanently deprive 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.  Violence includes physical acts of violence, putting a person in fear of serious bodily harm, or threatening the victim with a firearm or  deadly weapon.  Intimidation means putting the victim in fear of reasonable apprehension of harm.

Penalty for Robbery in Manassas

Robbery in Manassas is punished with a minimum of 5 years up to life in prison (Va. Code §18.2-58).  The use of a firearm in the commission of a robbery is a separate offense under Va. Code §18.2-53.1.  A first offense is punished with a mandatory minimum of three years in prison.  A second offense is punished with a mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison.  An offender can be convicted of both robbery in Manassas and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and the sentences will be consecutive.

Click here for more information on use of a firearm in the commission of a felony in Virginia.

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