Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

What charge applies to Frank who demands money from a cashier while concealing a firearm?

1. Robbery

2. Armed Robbery

3. Assault

4. Burglary

The correct answer is: Armed Robbery

The charge that applies to Frank in this scenario is armed robbery. This offense specifically entails the act of taking property from another person through force or intimidation while possessing a weapon. In this case, Frank's demand for money from the cashier, coupled with the concealment of a firearm, elevates the crime to armed robbery. The presence or use of a firearm not only enhances the level of threat to the victim but also reflects a deliberate intention to instill fear, making it distinct from simple robbery, which does not necessarily involve a weapon. In contrast, while robbery involves taking property by force or intimidation, it does not include the additional severity introduced by the use of a firearm. Assault typically involves causing or threatening to cause physical harm, and in this context, it does not encompass the element of theft. Burglary involves unlawfully entering a structure with the intent to commit a crime inside, which is not applicable here as Frank's act occurs directly with the cashier in a public space. Thus, armed robbery accurately captures both the nature of the crime and the use of the weapon in the commission of that crime.