What actions would constitute being an accomplice to a robbery?

Be aware that home robbery charges are considered to be serious felony charges that can land you in prison for a significant length of time. Robbery consists of taking another’s property by either force or fear, and while home invasion robbery is not defined in federal law, each individual state has its own definition of home robbery. If a person has used threats of physical force to steal another’s property, he has committed home robbery.

An accomplice in a home robbery is one who actively participates in the commission of a crime, even though they take no part in the actual criminal offense. During a home robbery, the person who points the gun at the homeowner and demands money, jewelry or other items, is guilty of armed home robbery, while anyone else who is directly involved, such as the lookout person or the getaway car driver is considered an accomplice. An accomplice is present at the actual crime and could be prosecuted, even if the main criminal—the one who pointed the gun and made threats--is not charged or convicted. As an accomplice, you have the same degree of guilt as the person you assisted, and as such, are subject to prosecution for the same crime and face the same criminal penalties.

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Most states have robbery charges divided into first and second degree; in California, for instance, a first degree robbery occurs when two people act together to plan and commit a robbery, while second degree robbery encompasses all other robbery situations. First degree robbery can carry a sentence of 3,6,or 9 years in prison, while second degree robbery can carry a sentence of 2,4, or 6 years in prison. If you have been charged as being an accomplice to a home robbery, this is very serious and requires the services of an experienced criminal attorney.