Combatting Philadelphia Violent Robbery Charges

Combatting Violent Robbery Charges in Philadelphia

Being charged with a violent robbery in Philadelphia can feel completely overwhelming. The penalties are severe—we’re talking years in prison. And the D.A.’s office prosecutes these cases aggressively. It’s normal to feel anxious and afraid right now.

But there is hope. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can analyze the evidence against you, build a strong defense, and fight for the best possible outcome in your case—whether that’s a dismissal, an acquittal at trial, or a lenient plea bargain. Don’t go through this alone. Read on to better understand violent robbery charges in Philadelphia and how the right lawyer can help.

Understanding Robbery Charges in Philadelphia

In Pennsylvania, robbery is defined as stealing property from another person by using or threatening force. It’s an aggravated form of theft that comes with harsher punishments.

Prosecutors don’t need to prove any actual violence occurred. Simply threatening violence or putting someone in fear of harm is enough. Common robbery scenarios include:

• Demanding money from a store clerk while implying you have a weapon
• Snatching a purse or phone and pushing someone down while running off
• Breaking into an occupied home and confronting the residents

Robbery charges can be broken down into degrees based on circumstances like:

• Whether you acted alone or had accomplices
• If the victim suffered bodily injury
• What type of weapon you used
• If you robbed a home or business

1st, 2nd and 3rd degree felony robbery charges have maximum prison sentences ranging from 10-40+ years. Even juvenile offenders are tried as adults.

So these cases call for an aggressive defense. A skilled lawyer can often get charges reduced or dismissed when flaws exist in the prosecution’s case.

Fighting Robbery Charges by Attacking the Evidence

Violent robbery cases often depend heavily on eyewitness testimony linking the defendant to the crime. This evidence seems damning. But human memory is unreliable—especially in frightening situations where things happened quickly.

An experienced defense lawyer will look for inconsistencies and contradictions in eyewitness accounts. For example, discrepancies in the suspect’s height, build, clothing, voice, etc. They can then challenge the credibility of witnesses who waver on key details.

Physical evidence is also open to scrutiny. If a weapon was allegedly used, the defense tests whether fingerprints or DNA trace back to the defendant. Video footage may be unclear or inconclusive. Stolen property may lack identifiers proving your client took it.

Pointing out these evidentiary weaknesses and “reasonable doubts” is key to defeating robbery charges.

Using Legal Defenses to Fight Robbery Charges

Besides attacking the prosecution’s version of events, criminal defense lawyers also rely on affirmative legal defenses. These admit that the core allegations may be true, but argue there were justifying circumstances that excuse the behavior.

Common robbery defenses including arguing the defendant:

• Acted in self-defense against violence initiated by the victim
• Lacked the intent to permanently deprive the victim of property (i.e. was merely “borrowing” it)
• Was misidentified and wasn’t the actual perpetrator
• Only learned later that property was stolen by an accomplice

Other defenses assert the defendant lacked the mental capacity for intent due to conditions like:

• Mental illness
• Intellectual disability
• Extreme emotional disturbance
• Ignorance of key facts

An experienced lawyer determines if any of these apply and may retain psychiatric experts to bolster the defense.

Negotiating Reduced Charges or Sentences

Of course, not every trial ends in an acquittal or dismissal. The evidence may be too strong for a legal defense to overcome. When the likelihood of conviction seems high, plea bargaining becomes the priority.

An adept defense lawyer negotiates aggressively with the D.A. to get:

• Dropped charges
• Lesser included offenses
• Sentencing recommendations

Getting charged reduced from 1st degree felony robbery down to 2nd degree or even misdemeanor theft is a huge win. The sentencing difference is measured in decades.

Judges rely heavily on the plea deal and prosecutor’s suggested punishment. Securing a good bargain through hard bargaining spares clients years behind bars. That’s why hiring a lawyer with a reputation for fighting these cases to favorable conclusions is so important.

Finding the Right Lawyer for Your Robbery Case

Don’t leave your fate to just any public defender or budget attorney. Violent robbery charges call for Philadelphia’s most seasoned and aggressive criminal defense lawyer.

Choose a veteran trial lawyer who knows how to strategically attack the evidence, raise doubts, and apply the most fitting legal defenses. Look for someone tenacious yet creative in plea negotiations. Read past case results and client testimonials to confirm they have a strong record of success in these situations.

And of course, make sure you have a confident, compassionate legal guide who listens and clearly explains each step so you feel supported.

Facing jail time creates enough stress without adding financial strains. Be sure to ask about flexible payment plans and options focused on your budgetary needs.

With an experienced criminal defense lawyer applying their expertise to exploit every weakness in the prosecution’s case—there is every chance of beating these charges or minimizing the penalties. Don’t wait to get started building your defense. Schedule your free case evaluation today.