In five completed New York City robbery cases reviewed for this guide, the observed prison terms ranged from 5 years to 22 years. This is a range among selected publicly reported cases—not New York’s statutory minimum or maximum and not a prediction for another case.
Quick Answer
- Cases reviewed: 5
- Lowest observed sentence: 5 years in prison
- Highest observed sentence: 22 years in prison
- Location: New York City, New York
- Official classifications represented: First- and second-degree robbery, violent felonies
Browse the New York crime sentence hub, read our methodology, and review our editorial standards.
What Does Robbery Mean in New York?
New York defines robbery as forcible stealing. First-degree robbery under Penal Law §160.15 includes specified aggravating facts such as serious injury, a deadly weapon, a dangerous instrument, or displaying what appears to be a firearm. It is a class B felony.
Statutory Penalties
For a first-time violent felony offender convicted of a class B violent felony, Penal Law §70.02 generally provides a determinate term of 5 to 25 years. Different degrees, prior convictions, plea dispositions and consecutive sentences can change the result. See the official robbery statute and violent-felony sentencing statute.
Real New York Robbery Case Outcomes
| Case | Circumstances | Conviction | Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Bellevue | Gunpoint robbery of a Crown Heights bodega | First-degree robbery, jury verdict | 5 years plus 5 years post-release supervision |
| Dupreme Williams | Two violent robberies in Brooklyn | Second-degree robbery, guilty plea | 7 years plus 5 years post-release supervision |
| Patrice Dorcil | Armed T-Mobile store robbery; employees restrained | First-degree robbery, jury verdict | 14 years plus 5 years post-release supervision |
| Anthony Samuel | Three gunpoint robberies over two days | First-degree robbery, guilty plea | 21 years |
| Nyquan English | Victim shot and chain stolen | First-degree robbery and first-degree assault, jury verdict | 22 years plus 5 years post-release supervision |
Why Were the Sentences Different?
The official releases identify materially different facts: guilty pleas versus trials, one incident versus a spree, firearm use, restraining victims, and a shooting injury. The 22-year outcome covered both robbery and assault, so it should not be read as an isolated robbery-only term.
Lowest and Highest Observed Sentences
The lowest observed term was 5 years in Bellevue. The highest was the 22-year aggregate sentence in English. These endpoints describe only this selected set.
Methodology
We reviewed completed cases tied to Brooklyn, one of New York City’s five borough jurisdictions. Official district attorney releases were prioritized. This small public-reporting sample may overrepresent serious cases.
Sources
- Brooklyn DA — Bellevue
- Brooklyn DA — Williams
- Brooklyn DA — Dorcil
- Brooklyn DA — Samuel
- Brooklyn DA — English
Disclaimer
General information only. Not legal advice. Sentencing depends on the charges, conviction, history and facts of each case.