Which of the following elements is essential to the crime of robbery?

The element that is essential to the crime of robbery is that the accused steals property using or threatening violence. Robbery is defined as taking property from a person or their immediate presence by force or threat of force. This means that the act of theft must involve a direct confrontation or intimidation that causes fear in the victim, which distinguishes it from other theft-related offenses.

The use or threat of violence is what elevates an act of theft to the level of robbery. Without this element of force or intimidation, the act would simply be considered theft, shoplifting, or a similar non-violent crime. Therefore, ensuring that violence or the threat thereof is present is crucial in determining that an act constitutes robbery.

In contrast, the other options presented do not involve the use of force or intimidation as a fundamental component of the crime of robbery. Preparing a fake document, threatening to expose a secret, or consuming stolen property may relate to other criminal activities but do not meet the specific requirements needed to classify an act as robbery.