If you have been arrested and charged with robbery in Florida, your future may rest on the prosecutor proving the elements of different types of robbery and your defense Lawyer preserving your rights and refuting the prosecutor.
The rest of your life is too important to ignore the severity of a robbery charge. Our team of professionals is waiting to speak with you, investigate your case, and defend you. Call a Deerfield Beach robbery Lawyer today for a no-charge consultation about your predicament.
How Does the Law Define Robbery?
Robbery is the forceable taking of property from another by using fear or violence, with the intent to keep the property, which is often money or jewelry. Still, it can be any property owned or in the custody of the person from whom it is taken. If the accused used a firearm, deadly weapon, or another weapon, the charge would likely be a first-degree Felony, punishable by up to life in prison. However, if the robbery results in a death, the accused could face Florida’s death penalty. If no deadly weapon was used, the charge is likely to be a second-degree Felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Judges at their discretion can also mete out fines of up to $15,000 for robbery.
Robbery by Sudden Snatching
Under Florida Statutes Sec. 812.131, the accused commits a robbery as defined above, but during the taking, the victim is aware or becomes aware of the taking. The prosecutor need not show any force was used beyond the sudden snatching, or that the victim resisted. If the accused is carrying a firearm or other deadly weapon, the robbery will be charged as a second-degree Felony, with up to a 15-year prison term.
Robbery by Car-Jacking
Robbery by car-jacking fits the definition of robbery, but the object taken from the alleged victim by force is their motor vehicle, according to Florida Statutes Sec. 812.133. Car-jacking is a Felony of the first degree, punishable by up to life in prison if the accused is armed, and up to 30 years in prison if unarmed. Your future may rest in the hands of a local attorney knowledgeable about the charge of robbery.
Home Invasion Robbery
Home invasion robbery is defined in Florida Statutes Sec. 812.135. It occurs when a person enters the home of another, intent on committing a robbery of the occupant, and does rob the occupant. Whether armed or not, the charge is a first-degree Felony, with sentencing up to life in prison.
Defenses to Robbery Charges in Deerfield Beach
Our professional legal team will coordinate a defense for that could mitigate what the prosecutor tells the jury. Some defense attorneys may try to utilize the following strategies:
- Forcible taking may not be robbery if the taker has a valid claim to the item
- Bystanders are at the robbery scene, which may not be sufficient proof of participation if bystander did nothing to aid in the robbery
- Lack of evidence if no weapon, fingerprints, or witnesses point to the accused
- The accused has a valid alibi
A Deerfield Beach Robbery Attorney Advocates for You
Robbery is a serious charge in Florida. You could spend the rest of your life in jail and pay thousands in fines. Limited circumstances could even expose you to the death penalty.
You have rights as an accused, and you are entitled to your say in court. A Deerfield Beach robbery Lawyer at Leifert & Leifert is here to advocate for you in the Florida criminal justice system. Our office personnel is waiting to speak with you to schedule your initial consultation.
