Simple Robbery (Section 343)
Simple robbery under Section 343 of the Criminal Code occurs when an accused person steals while using or threatening violence, assaults someone with the intent to steal, or steals while armed with an offensive weapon.
Despite the word “simple,” this is an indictable offence with a maximum penalty of life in prison. Even a first-time conviction can result in a significant custodial sentence, and the consequences extend well beyond jail time.
Armed Robbery
When a weapon is involved in the commission of a robbery, the courts treat the offence more seriously. The presence of a weapon, whether or not it was used, is an aggravating factor that can significantly increase the severity of sentencing.
If the weapon involved is a restricted or prohibited firearm, mandatory minimum sentences apply regardless of the circumstances.
Robbery With a Firearm (Section 344)
Section 344 imposes a mandatory minimum sentence of four years for a first offence involving a restricted or prohibited firearm in the commission of a robbery. Subsequent offences trigger even higher minimums.
These mandatory minimums leave sentencing judges with limited flexibility, which makes it essential to challenge the charge before a conviction is entered. For more information on how GSP Law handles related matters, visit our firearms charges page.
Home Invasion Robbery
A robbery that occurs in a residential dwelling, commonly referred to as a home invasion, is treated as an aggravating factor under the Criminal Code.
Courts view this category of offence as particularly serious because it involves a violation of a person’s home and subjects victims to extreme fear within a space where they should feel safe. Sentencing in home invasion cases routinely reflects this elevated seriousness, often resulting in longer periods of incarceration.
