Strong Armed Robbery
Legal Definition
A person commits robbery when, in the course of committing larceny, they use force or intimidation against another person with the intent to prevent resistance to the taking of property or to compel the owner or another person to deliver the property. Strong-arm robbery refers to robbery accomplished by physical force or threat of force without the use of a deadly weapon.
Possible Punishment
Basic sentence of 9 years imprisonment; fine up to $12,500. A mandatory period of parole follows release. If the robbery results in the death of a human being, the basic sentence increases to 15 years.
Local Context
Robbery becomes aggravated robbery under § 30-16-3 NMSA (a First Degree Felony) if the offender is armed with a deadly weapon, inflicts or attempts to inflict great bodily harm, or is aided by an accomplice actually present. Strong-arm robbery is the base offense without those aggravating factors.
Violent-Crime Cases in Doña Ana County
Violent charges are where New Mexico's pretrial system shows its teeth. For serious felony cases (aggravated battery, armed robbery, homicide), the District Attorney frequently files a pretrial detention motion asking the Third Judicial District Court to hold the defendant with no possibility of release. That is why some people in our booking feed are released within a day while others charged under the same statute stay in custody until trial.
Many bookings in this category involve household members, which triggers additional consequences: no-contact release conditions, orders of protection, and, after a qualifying conviction, a federal firearm prohibition. Charges listed at booking are the arresting officer's charges; the DA decides what is actually filed, and amendments are common in violent-crime cases as evidence develops.
Related Guides
Domestic Violence Charges in New Mexico: Household Members, No-Contact Orders, and Why Victims Can't Drop Charges
How battery against a household member works in New Mexico: misdemeanor vs. felony versions, no-contact release conditions, protection orders, and firearm consequences.
Bail in New Mexico: Why There Is (Mostly) No Cash Bail Anymore
New Mexico voters ended most cash bail in 2016. How pretrial release, bond conditions, and no-bail detention actually work in Doña Ana County courts.
Misdemeanor vs. Felony in New Mexico: Sentences, Courts, and Consequences
How New Mexico separates petty misdemeanors, misdemeanors, and felony degrees: sentence ranges, jail vs. prison, habitual enhancements, and collateral costs.
Recent Arrests for This Charge (2)
Information provided for general reference. Statutory text is summarized and may not reflect the most recent amendments. All persons listed are presumed innocent until proven guilty.