The bill amends the Arkansas Code concerning the offenses of robbery and aggravated robbery. Specifically, it revises the definition of robbery in Arkansas Code 5-12-102(a) to clarify the circumstances under which a person commits robbery. The new language states that a person commits robbery if they employ or threaten to employ physical force, or create a circumstance that would cause a reasonable person to believe that the use of physical force is imminent, while intending to commit a felony or misdemeanor theft or resisting apprehension after such theft.

This amendment aims to enhance the legal framework surrounding robbery by providing clearer criteria for what constitutes the offense, thereby potentially aiding law enforcement and the judicial system in addressing robbery cases more effectively. The changes reflect a focus on the perception of imminent physical force, which could broaden the scope of actions considered as robbery under Arkansas law.

Statutes affected:
SB 512: 5-12-102(a)
Act 758: 5-12-102(a)