The crime of robbery is very similar to theft, though, it includes the elements of violence or force. In a robbery crime the suspect either uses the threat of imminent force or violence against the victim in order to gain possession of the individual’s belongings or they use force in order to take something from someone.

Robbery is characteristically considered a violent crime and so it is punished as such. Consequences for robbery are greater under aggravating circumstances. Some examples include:

• When the suspect threatens to use a weapon against the victim
• When the crime is committed with an accomplice
• When the victim suffers severe bodily injury
• When a deadly weapon is used to commit the crime

Even though robbery is a type of theft crime different from other non-violent theft crimes or shoplifting, it is a confrontational crime, whereby the robber takes something openly from the victim. In a robbery situation, the suspect normally uses violence or force to instill fear in the victim.

After which they use this fear to overcome them and permanently dispossess them of their property of value or even money. It is this direct confrontation that basically makes robbery very serious.

The following variations of robbery are criminalized by the state of Florida:

1. Sudden snatching, 2. Robbery with a deadly weapon, 3. Robbery with a firearm, 4. Home invasion robbery, 5. Car  Jacking.

Because robbery is generally a violent crime, each and every category is prosecuted as a felony offense. Anyone convicted of robbery in West Palm Beach, Florida might be facing the following penalties:

• Armed Robbery (with a weapon) – felony in the first degree, carrying a punishment of not more than 30 years in state prison.
• Armed Robbery (with a deadly weapon) – felony in the first degree, carrying a punishment of not more than 30 years in state prison.
• Robbery – felony in the second degree, carrying a punishment of not more than 15 years in state prison.

Along with lengthy prison sentences, you are similarly facing up to $10,000 in monetary fines, the loss of certain certifications, community service, parole or probation and a permanent criminal record.

If you have already been arrested, or if you are under investigation for robbery, it would be advisable to seek the services of a private criminal defense lawyer. Since robbery is a very serious felony offense, you likely face severe consequences if convicted.

There are particular defenses for robbery charges that only a highly skilled and experienced attorney will know how to use on your behalf, for instance, misidentification or even false accusation. Simply because you were accused does not mean that you are guilty. Seeking legal counsel will without a doubt give you the best chances of fighting the charges placed against you.

The best criminal defense attorney at Farkas & Crowley are experienced and have intimate knowledge of how the opposition works and thinks. They are able to use this knowledge to design a very strong defense on behalf of their clients.

If you decide to work with our firm, we will stop at nothing to assist you achieve the best thinkable and possible outcome in your case. We will also work to get the charges against you either dropped or reduced wherever possible.

Don’t waste any more time, start protecting your future now—contact us at (561)-444-9529.