New Jersey Robbery Defense Attorney: Understanding Robbery Penalties

Being charged with robbery in New Jersey can be an incredibly scary and overwhelming experience. Robbery is considered a serious violent crime, and convictions often lead to years in prison as well as steep fines. However, with the right defense attorney on your side, it is possible to fight the charges and secure a better outcome in your case. This article provides an overview of robbery penalties in New Jersey, as well as potential defenses that a skilled criminal defense lawyer may use to challenge the prosecution.

Penalties for Robbery in New Jersey

Under New Jersey law, robbery is defined as using force, threats of force, or inflicting bodily injury while committing a theft (N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1). Robbery charges are categorized into first-degree or second-degree offenses:

• First-Degree Robbery – This charge applies when the defendant attempts to kill the victim, purposely inflicts or attempts to inflict serious bodily injury, or is armed with or uses a deadly weapon during the robbery. First-degree robbery is punishable by 10-20 years in prison and fines up to $200,000.
• Second-Degree Robbery – This covers all other robbery scenarios, and is punishable by 5-10 years in prison and fines up to $150,000.

In addition to prison time, those convicted of first or second-degree robbery in New Jersey face the No Early Release Act (NERA). This requires defendants to serve 85% of their sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

As you can see, robbery convictions have severe penalties in New Jersey. But an experienced criminal defense attorney will thoroughly analyze the prosecution’s case to find weaknesses that can be used to your advantage.

Common Defenses Against Robbery Charges

• Misidentification – If eyewitnesses incorrectly identified you as the perpetrator, this can create reasonable doubt about your guilt. Your attorney can scrutinize the identification procedures used by police.
• False accusations – The alleged victim may have ulterior motives for falsely accusing you of robbery. Your lawyer can investigate their background and credibility as a witness.
• Self-defense – You may argue that any force used was purely in self-defense against an aggressor, and not to facilitate a theft.
• Intoxication – Evidence you were intoxicated could be used to show you did not have the requisite intent to commit robbery.
• Alibi – If you have evidence proving you were elsewhere at the time, this can undermine the prosecution’s entire case. Credit card receipts, cell phone records, eyewitnesses and surveillance footage can help establish a strong alibi.
• Lack of evidence – The burden is on the prosecution to prove every element of robbery beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence is weak, circumstantial, or lacking, the charges can potentially be dismissed.

An experienced criminal defense lawyer will look at every angle of your case to build the strongest defense strategy possible. Don’t hesitate to discuss all the facts with your attorney, even details you think aren’t important. This allows them to fully protect your rights and freedom.

Finding the Right New Jersey Robbery Defense Attorney

Look for a lawyer with extensive trial experience and a proven ability to get charges reduced or dismissed. Ask about their track record with robbery cases similar to yours. Also choose someone you feel comfortable with and who will take the time to address all your concerns.

Don’t leave your future in the hands of an overworked public defender. A top-notch private defense attorney will thoroughly investigate your case, challenge procedural mistakes by police, negotiate firmly with prosecutors, and mount the strongest defense in court if necessary.

Facing robbery charges in New Jersey can be daunting. But with an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can rest assured knowing everything possible is being done to secure the best resolution in your case. Don’t wait to get the legal defense you deserve.