Because Robbery is a violent offence, the Crown often seeks the detention of an accused pending trial and, upon conviction, a custodial sentence.

There are a number of factors that could affect the severity of the penalties imposed upon a Robbery conviction, including the nature and use of any weapons, the degree of violence used, the injuries suffered by the victim, the vulnerability of the victim, the value of the stolen property and the offender’s prior criminal record.

Consequences of a Robbery Conviction:

Under the Criminal Code, a conviction for Robbery carries a maximum possible penalty of life imprisonment.

In addition, if a firearm or imitation firearm is used in the commission of a Robbery, there are mandatory minimum sentences of imprisonment if convicted. If a restricted or prohibited firearm is used in the commission of the offence, or if a firearm is used in a robbery committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a criminal organization, then there is a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years imprisonment for a first offence.