MCL 750.530 defines the offense of unarmed robbery and theft as when a person uses force or violence against any person, assaults a person or puts a person in fear while committing a larceny of money or other property. This includes threats or actions taken during the larceny itself, while attempting to commit larceny or in flight after the larceny has been committed. An individual may find himself or herself charged with unarmed robbery if they get into a scuffle with a store manager or security guard or if they threaten employees or patrons of the establishment from which they were stealing.
Another common offense an individual could be charged with in a similar situation is retail fraud. The difference between unarmed robbery and retail fraud is significant but the two crimes are closely related. Unarmed robbery is a felony that’s punishable with a sentence of up to 15 years while retail fraud may be a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the circumstances surrounding the case. First degree retail fraud is a felony while second and third degree retail fraud are misdemeanors. What degree of retail fraud and individual is charged with is based on the value of the merchandise stolen. Retail fraud commonly consists of stealing, shoplifting, or changing price tags. The difference between being charged with unarmed robbery instead of retail fraud is that there is an added element of violence involved with unarmed robbery. This addition of force, violence, or threat makes it possible for and individual to be charged with the higher offense and face more serious consequences.
If you are facing the offense of unarmed robbery, you may be concerned about the impact it will have on your future. We have handled cases in both retail fraud and unarmed robbery, giving us the expertise to handle your case. Further, we have extensive experience with the courts throughout Metro Detroit, which gives us the ability to streamline the legal process. Don’t take a risk on your rights—call one of our criminal defense attorneys at (248) 398-7100 for a free consultation or contact us with a private message, we can help you put this in your past quickly, so you can move on with your life.
750.530 Larceny of money or other property; felony; penalty; “in the course of committing a larceny” defined.
Sec. 530.
(1) A person who, in the course of committing a larceny of any money or other property that may be the subject of larceny, uses force or violence against any person who is present, or who assaults or puts the person in fear, is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 15 years.
(2) As used in this section, “in the course of committing a larceny” includes acts that occur in an attempt to commit the larceny, or during commission of the larceny, or in flight or attempted flight after the commission of the larceny, or in an attempt to retain possession of the property.
