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What to Do if You’re Charged with Robbery in Jacksonville
|Last Updated on: 3rd November 2023, 07:12 pm
What to Do if You’re Charged with Robbery in Jacksonville
Being charged with robbery can be an incredibly scary and overwhelming experience. As someone who was charged with robbery in Jacksonville, I definitely understand the fear and anxiety you might be feeling. But it’s important to remember that just because you’ve been charged, doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be convicted. There are steps you can take to protect your rights and build the strongest defense possible.
First things first – take a deep breath. I know it’s easier said than done, but try to stay calm. Panicking will only cloud your judgment. You need to think clearly so you can make the best decisions for your case.
Get a Lawyer
The single most important thing you can do is get a criminal defense lawyer, like, yesterday. Seriously, call one right now. Don’t try to handle this alone. An experienced attorney knows how to navigate the complex legal system and look at your case from every angle.
When meeting lawyers, make sure to ask about their specific experience with robbery cases. Not all criminal lawyers are created equal. You want someone who really understands the nuances of defending robbery charges. Also ask how they’ve succeeded for past clients. Knowing their track record will help you feel more confident in their abilities.
Money might be tight, but don’t let finances stop you from getting a lawyer. Many offer payment plans or take cases pro bono if you qualify. It’s worth calling around to compare rates and find an attorney you can afford. Trust me, this is not the time to skimp on legal fees. Your freedom is on the line.
Understand the Charges
Robbery laws in Florida are defined in Section 812.13 of the Florida Statutes. There are two main robbery offenses:
- Robbery by sudden snatching
- Robbery with a weapon or force
Robbery by sudden snatching is when someone takes property from another person without force, violence, or a weapon. For example, grabbing a purse off someone’s shoulder and running away. It’s a third-degree felony.
Robbery with a weapon or force is more serious – it’s a first-degree felony. This is when someone takes property by using force, violence, assault, or putting the victim in fear. For instance, demanding money from a cashier while brandishing a gun. Even just implying you have a weapon is enough to qualify as robbery with a weapon.
First-degree felonies carry more severe punishments like lengthy prison sentences and steep fines. So the exact charges you’re facing will impact how your defense strategy takes shape.
Get the Police Report
Your lawyer should immediately request a copy of the police report from the arresting agency. This report will have key details about the alleged crime, witness statements, and any other evidence collected. Review it closely with your attorney to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
For example, if the police report says you stole a wallet at midnight, but you have an airtight alibi at that time, it’s a major hole in the charges. Or if witness descriptions don’t match your appearance, that’s another inconsistency to highlight.
Any factual errors, contradictions, missing information, or vague details in the police report can potentially be used to undermine the prosecution’s credibility. Finding these early helps your lawyer prepare the strongest defense.
Look at Misidentification
Many robbery charges stem from eyewitness misidentification. It’s actually the number one cause of wrongful convictions. Human memory and perception are faulty. People make mistakes, especially in stressful situations like being the victim of a crime.
If the charges hinge on shaky eyewitness testimony, your lawyer can request a pretrial lineup to determine if the witness can actually identify you. Things like lineup procedures, questioning techniques, and descriptions given right after the crime can reveal weaknesses about the ID.
Misidentification is not just about total innocence either. It could be a case where you were present at the crime scene, but did not actually commit the robbery. Eyewitnesses mistakenly pointing the finger at you would still give your lawyer room to argue misidentification.
Negotiate a Plea Deal
If the evidence against you is overwhelming, your lawyer may advise negotiating a plea deal instead of going to trial. This involves pleading guilty in exchange for an agreed upon sentence. The prosecution gets a conviction, while you get punished less severely than if convicted at trial.
Specifically for robbery, plea deals could involve:
- Pleading to a lesser offense like petty theft
- Having charges dropped or reduced
- Receiving a lighter sentence
While plea deals do result in a criminal conviction, they may be the most strategic option if the case against you is strong. An experienced lawyer can get you the best deal possible.
Go to Trial
If you can’t reach a favorable plea agreement, then your only option is to take your case to trial. Your lawyer will again look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence and present your defense arguments to the jury.
Robbery trials largely come down to the credibility of witnesses. Common strategies your lawyer could use include:
- Discrediting eyewitness testimony by highlighting errors, inconsistencies, or bias
- Challenging the validity of any identification procedures
- Questioning the chain of custody of physical evidence
- Raising doubt about the prosecution’s timeline
- Presenting your own eyewitnesses and character witnesses
If the jury finds reasonable doubt about your guilt, they should issue a not guilty verdict. However, you always run the risk of conviction at trial. Your lawyer will help you carefully weigh the risks before deciding to go to trial.