--- title: "Rhode Island Robbery Attorney" url: https://www.chadbanklaw.com/rhode-island-robbery-attorney/ date: 2014-10-20 modified: 2026-06-05 author: "The Law Office of Chad F Bank" image: https://www.chadbanklaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/rhode-island-robbery-attorney-scaled.jpg type: page lang: en --- # Rhode Island Robbery Attorney ## Rhode Island Robbery Attorney Chad Bank !(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/rhode-island-robbery-attorney-300x200.jpg) The legal definition may vary from state to state but the overall concept of this crime is common across the country. Robbery is often defined as the wrongful taking of anything valuable with the full intention of denying the true owner access to that which was stolen. This definition is slightly vague in its inclusion of criminal acts and can be better determined by each state's personalized categorizations. The differentiating factors associated with this crime involve face to face confrontations and any injuries or fatal incidents that may have occurred while the crime was taking place. If you have been charged with robbery, you need to retain the service of an experienced Rhode Island Robbery Attorney. ## RI Penalties for Robbery In the state of Rhode Island robbery is a serious crime due to its direct correlation with violence. The penalties are heavy and wide scaled. If charged  one could face a minimum of ten years of imprisonment all the way up to a life sentence. These penalties may also include hefty fines. 11-39-1 Penalty for robbery. – (a) Every person who shall commit: (1) robbery by use of a dangerous weapon; (2) robbery where a victim is injured; or (3) robbery where the victim is a person who is severely impaired or an elderly person; shall be guilty of first degree robbery and shall be imprisoned for not less than ten (10) years and may be imprisoned for life, or fined not more than fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000), or both. (http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/title11/11-39/11-39-1.htm) Being charged with robbery in Rhode Island is a serious allegation. Having an experienced **Rhode Island Robbery Attorney** handling your case could drastically improve the success of your case. If you or a loved one has been charged with robbery contact Rhode Island Robbery Attorney Chad Bank immediately at 401-573-2265. (https://www.chadbanklaw.com/) Bank fights hard for his clients so they can achieve the best possible outcome for their case. ## Frequently Asked Questions What is robbery in Rhode Island?(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/author/chadbankadmin/)2026-05-23T23:56:00-04:00 #### [ **** What is robbery in Rhode Island? ](#collapse-1-8081) 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. What is the difference between robbery and theft in Rhode Island?(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/author/chadbankadmin/)2026-05-23T23:56:05-04:00 #### [ **** What is the difference between robbery and theft in Rhode Island? ](#collapse-1-8082) Robbery in Rhode Island requires the use of force or threat of force to take property from another person. Theft (also called larceny) is the taking of property without force or threat. The presence or absence of force is the critical distinction and dramatically changes the charge level. Robbery is always a felony with multi-year prison exposure; larceny can range from petty misdemeanor for low-value items to felony for larger amounts. The prosecution must prove the force element for a robbery conviction. Defense work in robbery cases sometimes focuses on contesting whether the force element was actually present. What are the penalties for robbery in Rhode Island?(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/author/chadbankadmin/)2026-05-23T23:56:10-04:00 #### [ **** What are the penalties for robbery in Rhode Island? ](#collapse-1-8083) Robbery penalties in Rhode Island scale by degree. First-degree robbery (involving serious bodily injury or a dangerous weapon) carries up to life imprisonment. Second-degree robbery carries up to 30 years in state prison. Both degrees are felonies with large fines, mandatory restitution, and lifetime collateral consequences including federal firearm prohibition, voting restrictions during incarceration, and severe employment and immigration impacts. Cases involving multiple counts or particularly egregious circumstances can produce consecutive sentences extending beyond the statutory maximum for any single count. What is the difference between first and second-degree robbery in Rhode Island?(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/author/chadbankadmin/)2026-05-23T23:56:15-04:00 #### [ **** What is the difference between first and second-degree robbery in Rhode Island? ](#collapse-1-8084) First-degree robbery in Rhode Island involves either serious bodily injury to the victim or the use or threatened use of a dangerous weapon. It carries up to life imprisonment. Second-degree robbery is robbery without those aggravating factors and carries up to 30 years prison. Both are felonies tried in Rhode Island Superior Court. The first-degree elements (weapon or serious injury) are often contested by the defense because moving from first-degree to second-degree dramatically reduces the maximum sentence. Even if conviction is unavoidable, getting the charge downgraded from first to second degree is one of the most valuable defense outcomes. Can a Rhode Island robbery charge be defended?(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/author/chadbankadmin/)2026-05-23T23:56:21-04:00 #### [ **** Can a Rhode Island robbery charge be defended? ](#collapse-1-8085) Yes. Rhode Island robbery charges can be defended through several angles: challenging witness identification (cross-racial misidentification is a known problem in robbery cases), contesting the force element (was force actually used or just alleged), suppression motions if evidence was obtained unlawfully, alibi defense (you were elsewhere), and challenging the chain of custody on any physical evidence. Robbery cases often turn heavily on witness testimony, which means defense work focuses on credibility challenges and inconsistencies in witness statements. Defense lawyers also frequently file motions to suppress identification procedures (line-ups, photo arrays) that violated due process protections. What court handles robbery cases in Rhode Island?(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/author/chadbankadmin/)2026-05-23T23:56:26-04:00 #### [ **** What court handles robbery cases in Rhode Island? ](#collapse-1-8086) Robbery cases in Rhode Island begin at District Court for arraignment and bail, then move to Rhode Island Superior Court for the substantive proceedings including jury trial because of the felony classification. The Attorney General has up to 6 months after arraignment to file the indictment moving the case to Superior Court. Felony jury trials happen before a 12-person jury. Robbery bail is often high because of the felony classification and the perceived flight risk. A defense lawyer at arraignment can argue for the lowest possible bail and challenge the prosecution's risk arguments. Can a robbery conviction be expunged in Rhode Island?(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/author/chadbankadmin/)2026-05-23T23:56:31-04:00 #### [ **** Can a robbery conviction be expunged in Rhode Island? ](#collapse-1-8087) Robbery convictions in Rhode Island are generally NOT eligible for expungement. Robbery is classified as a crime of violence under R.I. Gen. Laws, and crimes of violence are categorically excluded from the expungement framework. The Attorney General would object to any expungement petition for a robbery conviction, and the petition would almost certainly be denied. The only paths to clearing a robbery from your record are dismissal before conviction, acquittal at trial, or executive clemency through the Governor. This is one of the most important reasons to fight a robbery charge aggressively at the trial stage rather than accepting a plea. Do I need a lawyer for a robbery charge in Rhode Island?(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/author/chadbankadmin/)2026-05-23T23:56:36-04:00 #### [ **** Do I need a lawyer for a robbery charge in Rhode Island? ](#collapse-1-8088) Absolutely. Robbery is one of the most serious felony charges in Rhode Island with potential sentences ranging up to life imprisonment, lifetime collateral consequences, and a permanent felony record that cannot be expunged. The procedural complexity of Superior Court practice, the seriousness of the stakes, and the experience of the felony prosecutors who handle violent crime cases all argue strongly for the most experienced defense counsel you can retain. A robbery defense lawyer reviews discovery in depth, challenges identification procedures, files pre-trial motions, retains expert witnesses when needed, and tries the case before a jury. Self-representation on a robbery charge is reckless. ## Robbery Defense Office Location ### Rhode Island Robbery Attorney The Law Office of Chad F Bank $ https://www.chadbanklaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/cropped-the-law-office-of-chad-f-bank-logo-square.jpg 127 Dorrance St Providence , RI 02903 Phone: 401-573-2265