Types of Robbery Charges in New York City (2025)
The act of taking another’s property without their permission is the root of many criminal acts in New York, including acts of burglary, larceny, theft, and robbery. If you’re facing charges under New York law, it’s important to understand the nature of your crime as well as the penalties it may bring. To do this, it can help to distinguish between these types of crimes and types of robbery charges in New York City.
A New York City robbery lawyer can be a huge asset when it comes to staying informed throughout your criminal case. That said, it’s critical that you understand what’s going on yourself so you can make informed decisions about how to move forward with your case.
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A Quick Look at Crime in New York City
In April 2025 alone, there were a total of 2,349 crime complaints reported to the New York City Police Department. Within the same time period last year, slightly more crimes were reported, demonstrating a slight decline in overall criminal activity.
The New York Police Department Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch announced that there were 1,328 fewer major crime incidents reported in the city in February 2025 versus February 2024. That said, New York City has a higher-than-average crime rate, coming in at 744.2 per 100,000 people.
Robberies are a specific classification of crimes that involve the unlawful taking of property by force or by the threat of force. Just recently, in Westchester County, two people were arrested for robbing a jewelry store. The offenders had taken $1.7 million worth of property.
Moreover, the number of young people in New York City being robbed and assaulted reached a new high in 2024, with about 1,500 robbery victims under the age of 18. It’s important to understand the nature of robberies in New York as well as how they are handled under New York law, no matter who you are or how old you are.
Common Types of Robbery Charges in New York City
Robbery can be a first-, second-, or third-degree charge depending on the severity of the crime and the specific details surrounding the case. First-degree robbery is considered a Class B felony, which is the most serious robbery charge. Second-degree robbery is a Class C felony, and third-degree robbery is a Class D felony. Class A felonies are reserved for the most serious crimes in New York, such as murder and certain drug crimes.
Here’s a closer look at the three types of robbery charges:
- First-degree robbery. This is the most severe robbery crime you can commit. This charge is given in cases where the defendant caused significant harm to another person, expressed their intent to hurt another person, or possessed a lethal weapon.
- Second-degree robbery: This criminal charge covers situations where a defendant causes minor injuries to another person, displays a firearm, forcefully takes someone’s property with the help of an accomplice, steals a vehicle, and more.
- Third-degree robbery: This is the least serious robbery charge you can get. It typically involves situations where the defendant uses force or the threat of force during an act of larceny.
Robbery vs. Burglary, Larceny, and Theft in New York City
Robberies are tried differently than other offenses of a similar nature, and it’s helpful to understand why. When it comes to crimes involving stealing another’s property, you may hear the terms “burglary,” “larceny,” and “theft” thrown around, as well as the term “robbery.” Some people use all these terms interchangeably, but there are distinct differences between them that are important to understand.
The crime of burglary actually doesn’t have to involve physically stealing someone’s property. Burglary is technically defined as unlawfully breaking and entering someone’s property or staying on someone’s property with the intent of committing a crime. The theft itself doesn’t have to be committed for you to be charged with burglary.
Larceny and theft are the only two terms that can be used in place of one another. Both terms refer to the taking of another’s property with the intent to deprive them of it. Petit larceny, which is the theft of property that is valued at $1,000 or less, is considered a misdemeanor, while grand larceny can be charged as a felony. Robberies involve using physical force or the threat of force to steal someone’s property.
FAQs
Q: What Are the Three Elements of a Robbery?
A: The three elements of a robbery include taking someone else’s property, using physical force or threatening to use force to take the property, and the intent to take the property away from the person permanently. These elements must be present for a theft offense to be considered robbery in New York City.
Q: What Is Considered First-Degree Robbery in New York City?
A: First-degree robbery is the most serious robbery crime you can be charged with in New York City. It’s a Class B felony and can lead to serious penalties, including hefty fines and time in prison. First-degree robberies typically involve situations where the defendant harmed someone significantly, expressed their intent to hurt someone, or possessed a lethal weapon.
Q: What Is Considered Second-Degree Robbery in New York City?
A: Second-degree robbery is considered a serious crime in New York, but it’s not as severe as first-degree robbery. Second-degree robbery can cover a variety of scenarios. If a defendant displays a firearm, steals property with the help of an accomplice, steals a vehicle, or causes minor injuries to the victim or a third party.
Q: What Is the Most Serious Robbery Offense Recognized in New York City?
A: The most serious robbery offense recognized in New York City is robbery of the first degree, which is classified as a Class B felony in the state. Penalties for first-degree robbery in New York City can include time in prison as well as fines, probation, restitution, and more. A lawyer from our firm can potentially help reduce a first-degree robbery charge.
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Facing criminal charges is easier with a New York City criminal defense attorney in your corner. If you’re ready to discuss robbery charges of your own, our team at Koch Law, PLLC, is here to help. Contact us to set up an appointment with a skilled attorney today.
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