Robbery in Rhode Island is the taking of property from another person through force or threat of force. It is a felony under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-39-1 with penalties varying by degree. First-degree robbery (involving serious bodily injury or a weapon) carries up to life imprisonment. Second-degree robbery carries up to 30 years prison. Both degrees are felonies tried in Rhode Island Superior Court. Robbery is distinguished from theft or larceny by the force element. Without force or threat of force, the same conduct would be charged as larceny rather than robbery.
