What degree of robbery occurs when a person is armed with a deadly weapon in the course of committing a theft?

Robbery in the first degree is defined as occurring when a person is armed with a deadly weapon during the commission of a theft. The presence of a deadly weapon raises the severity of the crime due to the increased threat to the victim's safety and the potential for violence. This classification reflects the legal system's recognition of the higher risk posed to victims when a weapon is involved, warranting stricter penalties.

The other options refer to lesser degrees of robbery or entirely different crimes. For instance, robbery in the second degree typically does not involve a weapon or may involve other mitigating factors. Robbery in the third degree may include situations that do not elevate the crime to a more severe charge, such as the absence of a weapon. Burglary, while a serious crime, pertains to illegally entering a property with the intent to commit a crime therein, rather than the immediate act of theft coupled with the use of force or intimidation as in robbery. Thus, the specific elements of armed robbery align directly with the definition of robbery in the first degree.