NJ Robbery Charge Lawyer

I’m Anthony J. Vecchio, former prosecutor and NJ DUI & criminal defense attorney. Being charged with robbery in New Jersey is one of the most serious criminal accusations you can face. Robbery is classified as a violent crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1 and is prosecuted aggressively across the state. A conviction carries years in state prison, mandatory parole ineligibility under the No Early Release Act (NERA), and life-changing collateral consequences.

If you or a loved one has been arrested for robbery or carjacking, you need an experienced New Jersey robbery lawyer on your side immediately. I defend clients across Middlesex, Union, Mercer, Ocean, and Burlington Counties, fighting to protect their freedom, reputation, and future.

What Is Robbery Under New Jersey Law?

Robbery in New Jersey is defined under N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1. A person can be guilty of robbery if, during the course of committing a theft, they:

• Inflict bodily injury or use force on another person;
• Threaten another person with or purposely put them in fear of immediate bodily injury; or
• Commit or threaten to commit any other crime of the first or second degree.

“You are considered to be acting ‘in the course of committing a theft’ not only during the theft itself, but also if these acts occur while attempting the theft or fleeing the scene.”

Robbery vs. Theft vs. Burglary in New Jersey

Many people confuse these offenses. Here’s the difference:

• Theft (N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3): Unlawful taking of property without force or threat. Example: shoplifting.
• Burglary (N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2): Entering a structure with intent to commit a crime inside. Example: breaking into a home to steal electronics.
• Robbery (N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1): Theft plus force, threat, or injury. Example: snatching someone’s purse and shoving them to the ground.

⚖️ Robbery is punished far more severely because it involves violence or intimidation.

Carjacking in New Jersey (N.J.S.A. 2C:15-2)

Carjacking is considered a specialized type of robbery. A person commits carjacking if, during the unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, they:

• Inflict or threaten bodily injury on the driver or passenger;
• Put the victim in fear of immediate harm;
• Commit or threaten another first- or second-degree crime during the theft; or
• Operate the vehicle while the victim remains inside.

Carjacking is a first-degree crime carrying a prison sentence of 10–30 years, with a mandatory minimum of 5 years before parole eligibility.

Penalties for Robbery in New Jersey

Second-Degree Robbery

Robbery is generally a crime of the second degree, punishable by:

• 5 to 10 years in state prison.
• Fines up to $150,000.
• 85% of sentence served before parole (NERA).

First-Degree Robbery

Robbery is elevated to a first-degree crime if, during the theft, the defendant:

• Attempts to kill someone;
• Purposely inflicts or attempts to inflict serious bodily injury; or
• Is armed with, uses, or threatens the use of a deadly weapon.

Penalties:

• 10 to 20 years in prison.
• $200,000 fine.
• Must serve 85% of the sentence under NERA before parole.

Carjacking

• 10 to 30 years in prison.
• Minimum 5 years parole ineligibility.

The No Early Release Act (NERA)

Robbery and carjacking are subject to the No Early Release Act (NERA), N.J.S.A. 2C:43-7.2. Under NERA:

• Defendants must serve 85% of their sentence before being eligible for parole.
• For example, a 10-year robbery sentence = 8.5 years mandatory time.
• This makes robbery sentences some of the harshest in New Jersey law.

Collateral Consequences of a Robbery Conviction

In addition to prison and fines, a robbery conviction has lifelong consequences:

• Permanent felony record (violent crime).
• Loss of rights (e.g., to vote, own firearms).
• Difficulty obtaining employment.
• Problems with college admission and financial aid.
• Immigration consequences, including deportation for non-citizens.
• Family court implications in custody disputes.

Because robbery is a violent offense, it cannot be expunged until long after the sentence is complete, and sometimes not at all.

Juvenile Robbery Charges in New Jersey

Juveniles charged with robbery face extremely serious outcomes, including transfer to adult court for first-degree cases. A juvenile adjudication can result in long-term detention, probation, and a permanent record that follows them into adulthood.

A New Jersey juvenile robbery lawyer can argue for rehabilitation-focused sentencing and keep cases in Family Court where possible.

Defending Against Robbery Charges

A strong defense begins early. There are two stages where your attorney can make a difference:

Pre-Trial Defenses

Your lawyer can file motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence, such as:

• Illegal searches or seizures (4th Amendment violations).
• Improperly obtained confessions (Miranda violations).
• Faulty eyewitness identifications (suggestive lineups, cross-racial misidentification).

If critical evidence is suppressed, the prosecutor may be forced to dismiss or downgrade charges.

Trial Defenses

At trial, your attorney can:

• Challenge the credibility of witnesses through cross-examination.
• Argue that the state failed to prove each element of robbery beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Present alibi evidence showing you were elsewhere.
• Show that the alleged weapon was not real or not used in a threatening manner.

How a New Jersey Robbery Lawyer Helps You

I represent clients at every stage of a robbery or carjacking case, including:

• Arguing for release conditions at detention hearings.
• Demanding full discovery from the prosecution.
• Filing pre-trial motions to exclude unlawful evidence.
• Negotiating reasonable plea deals where appropriate.
• Presenting a vigorous defense at trial.
• Advocating for the lowest possible sentence if convicted.
• Filing appeals and expungement petitions when available.

With experience as both a prosecutor and defense attorney, I know how robbery cases are built — and how to tear them apart.

Counties & Courts I Serve

I defend robbery and carjacking cases across New Jersey, including:

• Middlesex County: New Brunswick, Edison, Woodbridge.
• Union County: Elizabeth, Linden, Union Township, Plainfield, Rahway.
• Mercer County: Trenton, Hamilton, Lawrence.
• Ocean County: Toms River, Brick, Lakewood.
• Burlington County: Mount Holly, Willingboro, Moorestown.

FAQs – Robbery Charges in New Jersey

Is robbery always a felony in NJ?
Yes. Robbery is always at least a second-degree felony. Armed robbery or serious injury raises it to first degree.

What’s the difference between robbery and armed robbery?
Armed robbery (first-degree robbery) involves a deadly weapon or infliction of serious injury. Second-degree robbery involves force or threats without a weapon.

What is the penalty for robbery in New Jersey?
Second-degree: 5–10 years in prison. First-degree: 10–20 years. Carjacking: 10–30 years. All with NERA parole restrictions.

Can I get probation for robbery in NJ?
It is rare, but possible in downgraded cases or youth offenders. Most robbery convictions carry mandatory prison.

How long before I can expunge a robbery conviction?
Because robbery is an indictable offense, expungement eligibility comes many years after completion of sentence, and violent crimes often face stricter limits.

Can juveniles be charged with robbery in NJ?
Yes. Juveniles face serious penalties, and cases can even be waived into adult court for first-degree robbery.

Call a New Jersey Robbery Lawyer Today

If you’ve been charged with robbery or carjacking in New Jersey, your future is at stake. The penalties are severe, and the state will pursue your case aggressively. You need an attorney who understands the law, the courts, and the defenses that work.

📞 Call my office today for a free consultation with a New Jersey robbery lawyer. I represent clients in Middlesex, Union, Mercer, Ocean, and Burlington Counties, and I am ready to fight for you.

Anthony J. Vecchio, Esq.
New Jersey DUI & Criminal Defense Attorney
Former Municipal Prosecutor
Law Office of Anthony J. Vecchio, LLC

Last updated: February 5, 2026