Robbery is a crime that involves intending to commit the theft of another person’s property by using or threatening force and placing that person in fear of immediate bodily injury. This offense is treated harshly under state law and can result in severe consequences that include long periods of incarceration and a permanent criminal record.
If you have been accused of this particular theft offense, it could be crucial to enlist the help of a DeKalb County robbery lawyer as soon as you are aware of your charges. A conviction for robbery could follow you for the rest of your life, so it is important to get started on mounting a strong defense early on in your case.
State law provides for many different types of theft charges, but robbery can be distinguished from the rest if violence was threatened or used during the commission of the crime. The violence could be simple battery, like shoving or pushing, or intimidation through verbalized threats.
One of the most common robbery offenses is mugging, which typically consists of someone snatching a purse or bag from another person. The snatching motion itself can be sufficient for the prosecution to prove that the defendant intended to commit robbery, which is why a person accused of mugging could especially benefit from the help of an experienced local attorney.
Robbery is a felony offense that could cause a defendant to serve a prison sentence ranging between one and twenty years. Often, first-time offenders will not serve the maximum sentence, but multiple convictions for this crime may warrant harsher penalties.
There are several other factors that could enhance a person’s robbery charges and lead to more severe penalties. For example, the use of a weapon during the crime would elevate the offense to armed robbery which could potentially result in life imprisonment depending on the specific circumstances. Robbing an elderly person would also enhance the crime’s severity, and any of these factors could make it even more crucial to engage qualified legal representation in the DeKalb County area.
As robbery is a felony offense, a person facing these charges should not attempt to represent themselves in court. The potential consequences could be long-lasting and life-ruining, and a conviction could leave a permanent mark on the defendant’s record and prevent them from benefitting from employment, educational, and personal opportunities in the future.
An experienced lawyer who has dealt with the prosecutors, judges, and other factors involved in robbery and armed robbery cases could have the knowledge, training, and experience necessary to ensure that a defendant’s constitutional rights are protected during the legal proceedings. An open, honest conversation with an attorney as soon as possible after an arrest for robbery could be a key factor in achieving an optimal case resolution.
If you are facing robbery charges and are unsure of how to proceed, seek immediate guidance from a DeKalb County robbery attorney. Call today to schedule an initial consultation and learn more about your options for legal recourse.