What is Robbery in the First Degree?

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Robbery in the First Degree
RCW 9A.56.200

 (1) A person is guilty of robbery in the first degree if:

(a) In the commission of a robbery or of immediate flight therefrom, he or she:

(i) Is armed with a deadly weapon; or

(ii) Displays what appears to be a firearm or other deadly weapon; or

(iii) Inflicts bodily injury; or

(b) He or she commits a robbery within and against a financial institution as defined in RCW 7.88.010 or 35.38.060.

(2) Robbery in the first degree is a class A felony.

A “financial institution” means a bank, trust company, mutual savings bank, savings and loan association, or credit union authorized by federal or state law to accept deposits in this state. RCW 7.88.010.

A “deadly weapon” is any weapon, device, instrument, substance, or article including a vehicle which under the circumstances in which it is used, attempted to be used, or threatened to be used, is readily capable of causing death or substantial bodily harm.

Substantial bodily harm means bodily injury that involves a temporary but substantial disfigurement, or that causes a temporary but substantial loss or impairment of the function of any bodily part or organ, or that causes a fracture of any bodily part.  WPIC 2.03.01.

Attorney’s Notes:

Robbery in the First Degree means taking property from another with use of force or threat or force, and using a weapon OR inflicting bodily injury OR taking money from a bank.  

Robbery in the First Degree is a Class A felony, the most serious of the three classes of felonies. 

A Robbery in the First Degree charge is often accompanied with a deadly weapon or firearm enhancement, if a weapon is used.  A deadly weapon enhancement results in an additional 2 years of incarceration, while a firearm enhancement results in an additional 5 years of incarceration.  Enhancements are not eligible for “good time” reductions.

With no criminal history, a Robbery in the First Degree conviction results in a standard sentencing range of 31-41 months.  You can earn 33% good time in prison.  

With 9 criminal history points, a Robbery in the First Degree conviction results in a standard sentencing range of 129-171 months.  

If you or a loved one is charged with Robbery in the First Degree, you need an experienced, aggressive, and knowledgeable defense attorney. 

Call Gause Law Offices today for a free consultation – 206-660-8775.