Hearing news reports related to theft or robbery may not be uncommon. However, while you know you shouldn’t take things from another person, matters become worse when weapons are involved.
As instances of robberies have spiked at Dollar General stores in Tennessee, it’s important to remember that you could face charges for aggravated robbery without using a weapon. One Knoxville man was recently convicted of assault and attempted aggravated robbery for trying to rob one of the chain’s stores using a flashlight he had wrapped in electrical tape, trying to make it appear like a handgun.
Aggravated robbery has serious penalties – with or without a firearm
“Robbery” and “theft” are not interchangeable, as robbery involves violence or force. Theft includes taking something from someone. Robbery, on the other hand, refers to the action of taking something from somebody by force, or through the threat of violence.
What is often considered armed robbery in other states is referred to as aggravated robbery in Tennessee. If the victim suffers bodily harm or if you lead them to believe you have a deadly weapon, you could face charges.
The laws apply whether you use a weapon or lead people to believe that you have one. And while the penalties for aggravated robbery can vary, they will include:
- Felony charges
- Incarceration
- Financial penalties
Additionally, if convicted of aggravated robbery, you will lose your right to own firearms, will no longer be able to vote and cannot expunge this conviction from your criminal record.