Clearwater Criminal Attorneys Explain How to Fight Robbery Charges

Clearwater Criminal Attorneys Explain How to Fight Robbery Charges

Being charged with robbery can be an incredibly scary situation. These charges carry steep penalties, including years behind bars. But with an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side, you may be able to get the charges reduced or even dismissed.

As criminal attorneys in Clearwater, we have successfully defended clients against robbery allegations. There are various legal defenses we can use to fight the charges. The strategy depends on the details of your case.

What Constitutes Robbery Under Florida Law?

Under Florida statute 812.13, robbery involves taking money or property from another person by using force, violence, assault, or putting the victim in fear. There are two main categories – robbery by sudden snatching and standard robbery.

Robbery by Sudden Snatching

This charge applies when the property is taken without force, violence, or intimidation. The victim is typically caught off guard or is not aware of the taking. Robbery by sudden snatching is a second-degree felony in Florida.

Standard Robbery

This involves taking money or property by using force, violence, or intimidation against the victim. Standard robbery is a first-degree felony carrying even steeper penalties. It becomes a life felony if the robber carries a weapon or causes great bodily harm to the victim.

Common Robbery Defenses

As Clearwater robbery attorneys, we have successfully defended against these charges by arguing:

Misidentification

Eyewitness misidentification is a common cause of wrongful convictions. If the victim or witnesses incorrectly identified you, we can challenge the reliability of the identification. Things like poor lighting, weather conditions, distance, and duration of contact can affect identification accuracy.

Duress

We may argue you only committed the robbery under duress. For example, you were coerced into doing it by threats of physical harm. Duress can negate the intent required for robbery.

Intoxication

Evidence you were extremely intoxicated during the incident can be used to show you lacked the intent to commit robbery. Voluntary intoxication can weaken the prosecution’s case.

Self-Defense

If you took the property to protect yourself or others from harm, self-defense may justify your actions. The force used must be proportionate to the threat faced.

Lack of Intent

The prosecution must prove you intended to steal through force or intimidation. We can argue you had no intent to commit robbery. For example, you had permission to take the property or you took it by mistake.

What Penalties Do Robbery Charges Carry in Florida?

Robbery penalties vary based on the degree of the felony and other factors, such as:

• Use of a weapon
• Amount of force used
• Value of property taken
• Injury to the victim
• Number of victims

Potential sentences for robbery include:

• Second-degree felony robbery – up to 15 years in prison
• First-degree felony robbery – up to 30 years in prison
• Life felony robbery – up to life in prison

Other possible penalties include probation, restitution, and fines up to $10,000 or more.

Get an Aggressive Robbery Defense in Clearwater

The experienced Clearwater robbery attorneys at [law firm name] provide strong defense strategies in these cases. We thoroughly investigate the allegations and build a defense to get charges reduced or dismissed. An arrest does not mean you will be convicted – skilled defense makes a major difference.

We represent clients throughout the Tampa Bay area and understand local courts and prosecutors. Our firm has an excellent track record of success in defending robbery charges. Schedule a free, completely confidential case evaluation to discuss your best defense.

Don’t leave your future to chance. An conviction can ruin your life. We fight aggressively to protect your freedom.

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References

Florida Statute 812.13 Robbery

Florida Theft Crimes & Penalties

The Intoxication Defense