There are three different robbery charges in Chicago that you can be convicted of. There’s a plain robbery, aggravated robbery, and an armed robbery. If you or someone you know is currently facing robbery charges, it’s imperative that you know what you’re up against. This is to help you understand the difference between each of these crimes and the potential consequences you could face if found guilty.

Anyone dealing with robbery charges should contact an experienced attorney for a legal consultation to discuss options moving forward. The right attorney could make the difference between getting the maximum sentence or a lesser punishment.


A robbery is considered to be the act of taking the property of another person either by threatening to use physical force or actually using force. Typically, a robbery is a Class 2 felony in the state of Illinois. Being charged with a Class 2 felony can leave you facing jail time anywhere from three to seven years. You may also be required to pay hefty fines with a maximum of $25,000.

However, specific circumstances can upgrade a robbery charge to a Class 1 felony, which has more severe consequences. A Class 1 felony could leave you facing a jail sentence of 30 to 60 years. Robbing someone who is over 60 years of age or someone who is physically handicapped is considered a Class 1 felony. Robberies that take place at a school, child care facility, or a place of worship will also be deemed Class 1 instead of Class 2. In most cases, probation for a robbery is available unless otherwise prohibited.

Aggravated Robbery

If you verbally indicate to the victim during a robbery that you are in possession of a dangerous weapon, this would be considered an aggravated robbery. A dangerous weapon doesn’t necessarily have to be a gun either. Knives, swords, switchblades, and axes are all deemed to be dangerous weapons within Illinois. Also, drugging the victim with a controlled substance against his/her consent can lead to an aggravated robbery charge.

Being found guilty of aggravated robbery is a Class 1 felony. This particular crime is punishable by anywhere from four to 15 years in jail. In some cases, this jail sentence could be extended to 15-30 years in jail. It is worth noting that you can still be charged with aggravated robbery even if it was later determined that you didn’t have a firearm or dangerous weapon in your possession, despite telling the victim otherwise.

Armed Robbery

The third type of robbery charges in Chicago is an armed robbery. An armed robbery is a robbery that has been committed while using a gun or any other dangerous weapon. If a firearm discharges during the robbery or it causes great bodily harm of any kind, permanent disability, permanent disfigurement, or death to the victim, you can be charged with an armed robbery.

You’ll be left facing serious punishments, as this is deemed by the state of Illinois to be a Class X felony. This particular type of felony carries a mandatory prison sentence of six to 30 years if you are found guilty of the crime. Certain circumstances may extend your prison time from anywhere to 30-60 years or even leave you facing life in prison. The punishment you receive is typically based on the severity of the crime, as well as your previous criminal record. The court will look at the extent of force used during the robbery, whether a weapon was carried or discharged, and if injury or death occurred.

You also cannot receive probation or deferred prosecution in the case of a Class X felony. You will have a mandatory parole period of three years once you’ve been released and a maximum fine of $25,000.