If someone forcibly stole property, which charge might apply?

• A. Petit Larceny
• B. Robbery in the 3rd degree
• C. Burglary in the 2nd degree
• D. Grand Larceny

Answer: (B)

Forcible taking from another person is robbery. The key feature distinguishing robbery from larceny is the use or threat of force (or intimidation) during the theft. Petit larceny covers theft without that force element, while grand larceny concerns theft by value but still without a required force component. Burglary involves entering a building with intent to commit a crime inside, which isn’t the act described.

When force is involved, the appropriate charge is robbery, and the lowest degree of that offense is robbery in the third degree. The degree can escalate if a weapon is used or if there’s greater harm, but with forcible taking as described, robbery in the third degree is the best fit.