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

What charge would Liam face for threatening a bank teller while demanding money?

1. Robbery

2. Aggravated Robbery

3. Assault

4. Extortion

The correct answer is: Aggravated Robbery

When assessing the correct charge Liam would face for threatening a bank teller while demanding money, it is necessary to consider the specifics of the actions involved. Robbery involves taking or attempting to take property through threat or force. However, aggravated robbery escalates the severity of the crime by including elements such as the use of a weapon, the infliction of injury, or targeting a specific victim in a manner that heightens the threat. In this scenario, the act of threatening a bank teller implies an intention to exert force or intimidation to accomplish the theft, which fits the definition of robbery. However, if we assume that Liam not only made threats but also did so with a weapon or in a particularly dangerous manner, this behavior would elevate his charge to aggravated robbery. The ongoing threat to a person's safety while demanding money inherently increases the severity of the crime, justifying the aggravated designation. This would not be classified solely as assault, which is more about causing or threatening to cause physical harm without necessarily stealing property. Similarly, extortion involves obtaining something of value through coercion, often through threats of future harm rather than immediate force, distinguishing it from the immediate violent implications of robbery. Thus, if the context indicates heightened danger or intimidation linked to Liam's