Legal Definitions - holdup

A holdup is a colloquial term for a robbery. It specifically refers to the crime of taking property from a person by force or threat of force, often involving a weapon.

A holdup refers to a type of robbery where an individual or group uses force or the threat of force to unlawfully take property from another person or a business. It typically involves confronting the victim directly and compelling them to surrender their possessions or allow access to property.

Here are some examples illustrating a holdup:

• Example 1: Convenience Store Robbery
  A masked individual enters a small convenience store, points a weapon at the cashier, and demands all the money from the register. The cashier, fearing for their safety, quickly hands over the cash.

  Explanation: This scenario is a holdup because the perpetrator used the threat of force (the weapon) to unlawfully take money (property) from the store (business) and its employee (person).

• Example 2: Street Mugging
  While walking alone at night, a person is suddenly grabbed from behind by an assailant who shoves them against a wall and demands their wallet and phone, threatening physical harm if they resist.

  Explanation: This constitutes a holdup as the assailant used physical force and intimidation to unlawfully seize personal belongings (property) from the victim.

• Example 3: Jewelry Store Heist
  A group of individuals smashes the display cases of a high-end jewelry store during business hours. One member brandishes a crowbar, intimidating staff and customers, while others quickly grab valuable watches and necklaces before fleeing the scene.

  Explanation: This is a holdup because the perpetrators used force (smashing cases, brandishing a crowbar) and the threat of harm to staff and customers to unlawfully take valuable merchandise (property) from the business.