Robbery Carries Major Consequences
Major crimes occurring in Tulsa, including robbery, are defined under Oklahoma state law. According to Oklahoma’s criminal code, robbery in Tulsa is, “the wrongful taking of personal property in the possession of another, from his person or immediate presence, and against his will, accomplished by means of force or fear.” While this sounds complicated, the definition is easily divided into general parts, called elements. These are: (1) taking someone else’s property, (2) off of or in front of them, (3) against the person’s will, and (4) using violence or intimidation. Without one or all of these, the crime is not a robbery.
When it comes to property, it is important to remember that value does not matter. What was taken could be completely worthless, but a robbery in Tulsa may still have taken place. Similarly, the amount of force employed to commit the robbery does not matter. Also, the person must know their property was taken.
Types of Robbery in Tulsa
As with other crimes, state law divides robbery into first and second degree charges based on the incident’s severity. For a first degree robbery, Oklahoma requires the victim have suffered or been threatened with a serious injury. Also, placing someone in fear of a serious injury or committing another felony during the robbery can make it a first degree crime. Anything that fits the definition of a robbery in Tulsa, but does not meet the first degree elements, is considered a second degree offense.
Punishment for robbery in Tulsa can be quite severe, and differs depending on the degree of the crime. For first degree robbery, the punishment is a prison sentence of no less than ten years. For those guilty of second degree robbery in Tulsa, the prison sentence is for a maximum of ten years.
Initial Strategy Session: Tulsa Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are accused of any crime, including robbery in Tulsa, you should consult with a Tulsa criminal defense attorney. To get a low-cost and confidential consultation with an attorney, contact the Seventh Street Tulsa Law Firm today by calling (918) 932-2777.