Robbery is defined as the taking of money or any other property, which is otherwise something that can be stolen or the subject of larceny, from somebody else with the intent to take that property either permanently or temporarily. Also, that individual must be depriving the person of their rightful benefit or use of that money or property.
When it is armed robbery, that means that an individual is forcibly taking the property of another while armed with either a weapon or a firearm. If you are facing such a charge, it is imperative to contact an experienced West Palm Beach armed robbery lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced robbery attorney in West Palm Beach can assist in building a defense to help lessen or dismiss any potential penalties of the charge.
What is Armed Robbery?
When attempting to prove an armed robbery charge, a prosecutor must establish that there was the taking of property of another with the intent to either permanently or temporarily deprive that other person or the owner of that property from the use or benefit of the property. They must also prove that in the course of taking that property, the individual used force, violence, assault, or put the person in fear.
For the robbery to be considered armed, the prosecutor must also prove that, during the commission of that crime, there was a taking by force and a weapon was used, not a deadly weapon or firearm but a weapon was used like a baseball bat or hammer.
As an aside, there are two different types of armed robbery. There is armed robbery with a deadly weapon or a firearm and there is armed robbery without a deadly weapon or firearm. There is a difference in Florida. Armed robbery in Florida depends upon what an individual is armed with. To best understand your armed robbery charges, you should consult with an experienced attorney in West Palm Beach.
Potential Penalties of Using Violence to Rob Someone
The consequences of armed robbery vary depending on the degree of force used. If an individual proceeded without a firearm, the crime is a felony in the first degree, which is punishable by up to 25 years in prison, with usually a minimum mandatory prison sentence if that person is found guilty.
If a person commits a robbery and they carried a firearm or other deadly weapon, that is also a first-degree felony, but instead of it being punishable by up to 25 years in prison, it is punishable by up to life in prison. To combat such serious penalties for armed robbery charges, an individual should contact a West Palm Beach lawyer as soon as possible.
In addition to these criminal penalties, someone convicted of this crime could face long-term consequences such as difficulty finding a job or adequate housing. Because potential employers and landlords can look at an applicant’s criminal record, avoiding these serious charges should be a lawyer’s top priority.
Speak with a West Palm Beach Armed Robbery Attorney
If you are facing these serious charges, our West Palm Beach armed robbery lawyers could help you prepare a defense and protect your freedom. There are many defense strategies available in these cases, and an attorney could help you determine which might be the most effective. To get started on your case, schedule an initial consultation today.
