---
title: "What is second-degree robbery in Rhode Island?"
description: "Second-degree robbery is the catch-all for robberies that do not meet the first-degree elements. It covers strong-arm robberies - purse snatchings, street muggings, and similar incidents where force..."
url: https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-second-degree-robbery-in-rhode-island/
date: 2026-04-22
modified: 2026-04-29
author: "Bank and Munns"
type: avada_faq
lang: en
---

# What is second-degree robbery in Rhode Island?

Second-degree robbery is the catch-all for robberies that do not meet the first-degree elements. It covers strong-arm robberies - purse snatchings, street muggings, and similar incidents where force or fear was used but no deadly weapon was displayed, no serious injury resulted, and the victim was not elderly or severely disabled. It is punishable by not less than 5 years and up to 30 years in state prison. Although it is the "lesser" of the two degrees, it is still a violent felony, still a Superior Court case, and still a permanent felony record. The 5-to-30 year range gives a skilled defense lawyer room to argue for suspended sentences, split sentences, or probation - outcomes that are often unreachable in a first-degree case.