Los Angeles Robbery Lawyer

Criminal Defense Attorneys Defending People Who Have Been Accused of Robbery

Robbery is covered under California Penal Code Section 211-215. This theft crime is defined as using fear or force to take property from another person against their will. In order to be considered a robbery offense, an individual has to take the property directly from or in the immediate presence of the alleged victim.

Robbery charges could include the taking of property with physical force or with the use of a deadly weapon, commonly know as armed robbery. The value of the property taken does not matter. It's important to note that a defendant does not actually have to possess the property in order to the charged with robbery. It only requires a confrontation between two people where force or the threat of force was used. See related blog: California Gang Sentencing Enhancement Law.

First Degree and Second Degree Robbery Charges

First degree robbery is defined under California Penal Code Section 212.5. It includes every robbery of an individual who are performing their duties as an operator of a commercial vehicle (taxi, bus, etc), an inhabited home or apartment, and of any individual using or just used an automated teller machine (ATM). Second degree robbery includes all kinds of other robberies not included in the definition of a first degree robbery. See related: Solicitation to Commit a Crime.

Legal Penalties for a Robbery Conviction

A conviction for a first degree robbery can range from a three to nine year state prison sentence. If a weapon was used, a defendant could receive enhanced enhanced penalties. Since it's considered a felony offense, it may count as a "strike" under California's Three Strikes law. A criminal conviction for second degree robbery can result in a sentence from two to five years.

Legal Defenses Against Robbery Charges

Every case has their own unique set of circumstances and evidence. It's critical that your criminal defense lawyer thoroughly review all the specific details of your case in order to determine to appropriate defense strategy. Our skilled lawyers use a variety of legal defenses to create reasonable doubt, including:

• You did not use force or fear to obtain property - In some cases, we may be able to present a valid argument that a defendant did not use force or fear, or sufficient force, to rise to the level of a robbery offense.
• You are a victim of mistaken identity - It's not uncommon for alleged victims of robbery to become emotional and not clearly remember the proper description of the individual who robbed them. Police often rush to solve their case and errors in identification can be made.
• Lack of Intent - In order to obtain a robbery conviction, the prosecutor has to prove your cases beyond any reasonable doubt. It's possible a defendant did not have the specific intent to permanently deprive an alleged victim of their property because they believed they had a right to the property.

Robbery Criminal Defense Attorneys With a Record of Success

Our law firm has achieved many court victories for our clients facing any type robbery charges. We are aggressive in the defense of our clients and expert negotiators.  Below are just a few examples of our courtroom victories:

Robbery Acquittal - LAX Airport Courthouse

Client charged with several counts of robbery with firearm at a fast food restaurant. Witnesses claimed they observed our client close to the drive thru window just prior to the alleged robbery. They also wrote down his license plate number. Police detectives used a photo lineup and our client was positively identified by four witnesses, including employees of the restaurant. At trial, we used an eyewitness identification expert to show police lineups are suggestive and frequently inaccurate. After careful deliberations by the just, they returned a not guilty verdict.

Robbery Acquittal - Pasadena Superior Court

Client was facing charges of robbery and assault. Two witnesses wrote down his license plate at the scene and positively identified him later from a photo. After an independent investigation, We presented a case that the prosecutor and witnesses could not prove the location of our client at the time of the alleged robbery. The prosecutor agreed with our findings and decided to dismiss the case prior to trial.

Fight Your Robbery Charges - Contact a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are under a criminal investigation for robbery, or already charged, it's critical to consult immediately with one of our criminal defense lawyers to review all the details to determine a defense strategy. Early intervention into your case can be critical to the outcome. We will conduct our own investigation of the facts and evidence on your case. We need to make sure witnesses are interviewed and the evidence is properly protected.

We know the serious nature of robbery charges and how a conviction can impact your personal and professional life. Our experience as courtroom negotiators have proven we may be able to have your criminal charges reduced or dismissed. If a trial is necessary, we will thoroughly prepare and always seek a not guilty verdict. We are aggressive in the defense of our clients in every stage of the legal process. We defend any type of robbery offense in Los Angeles County and surrounding areas.

Our decades of combined experience in criminal law have taught us how a proseuctor will investigate and build a robbery case. Our Los Angeles robbery defense lawyers have the knowledge and skills to prepare a strong legal defense. Call our law firm today at 310-328-3776 for a free immediate response.

Related Pages: Grand Theft | Burglary | Carjacking | Three Strikes Law