Chappelle v. Commonwealth

OVERTON, Judge.

Derrell William Chappelle (defendant) appeals his convictions of robbery and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He contends the trial court erred in defining the elements of robbery. Specifically, defendant contends the crime of robbery requires proof the victim felt actual fear when being robbed. Because we hold the common law definition of robbery does not require proof of fear, we affirm.

Given defendant’s full confession, the facts of this case are remarkably clear. On the evening of April 7, 1997, Michael Staten sat in his car on Lauralee Drive in Richmond when…