A person convicted of the violent crime of robbery faces severe consequences. If there are aggravating circumstances, a conviction could carry a life sentence. All robberies are Felonies, and Florida imposes harsh sentences on violent felons.
If you are facing a robbery charge, you need help from one of our trusted Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert. A Loxahatchee robbery Lawyer could ensure that your rights are protected while crafting a strategy to present a vigorous defense.
How Does the Law Define Robbery?
Florida defines robbery as taking property from its owner by force or threat of force. The property must have some value, and the alleged perpetrator must have intended to keep the property permanently or temporarily.
A Prosecutor might bring a robbery charge even when there is no physical contact and when a threat is empty. For example, if an unarmed perpetrator says they have a gun and the alleged victim hands over their wallet, the perpetrator could face a robbery charge even though they did not actually have a gun. In such a case, an aggressive Attorney familiar with local Robbery cases might be able to convince a Prosecutor to downgrade the charge.
There are separate laws regarding robbery by sudden snatching, carjacking, and home invasion. In each of these crimes, the person whose property is being taken must be aware of it while it is happening. Stealing an unoccupied vehicle would not be a carjacking unless the owner was nearby, aware that their vehicle was being stolen, and under threat at the time of the incident.
Robbery Conviction Means Tough Sentences
Robbery requires either the use of force or the threat of force, and that makes robbery a violent crime. Florida is hard on violent criminals, and a robbery conviction can lead to a long time in prison. Depending on the facts of a particular case and if there was no physical harm done, it could be possible for a defense Lawyer to convince a Prosecutor to bring a non-Felony theft charge.
A robbery that involves no weapon is a second-degree Felony and carries a prison sentence of up to 15 years. Conviction of a robbery using a weapon is a first-degree Felony and could lead to a prison sentence of up to 30 years. Home invasion, even without a weapon, is a first-degree Felony that could result in a life sentence.
The law lists aggravating and mitigating factors that can affect prison terms for robbery crimes. If a robbery involved physical violence, caused serious injury, harmed children, or if the convicted person is a repeat offender, the Judge is more likely to impose the maximum sentence. If the convicted person was an accomplice with only a peripheral role in the robbery, suffered from a mental impairment, or was coerced by another person to participate, a judge may impose a lighter sentence.
Contact a Loxahatchee Robbery Attorney for Help
There are many ways that one of our Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert could help. An Attorney thoroughly review the police investigation to ensure that they did not violate the defendant’s rights. An Attorney could also negotiate with the Prosecutor to reduce or drop charges or enter into a plea bargain. If a charge goes to trial, the Lawyer could present all the evidence that hopefully persuade a jury to acquit the accused or find them guilty of a lesser charge, thus reducing the consequences for the crime.
Make sure that you have a passionate advocate working on your case. Contact a Loxahatchee robbery Lawyer for a case review and consultation.
