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Robbery

CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS IN WEST PALM BEACH, FL AND SERVING CLIENTS THROUGHOUT FLORIDA

The state of Florida considers robbery to be a very serious crime. An arrest and conviction can mean high fines, court costs, and years in prison. If a firearm is involved, Florida has minimum mandatory sentences which means your conviction will come along with jail time as well as fines. In some cases, you could go to prison for life.

A robbery conviction also means a criminal record which will impact many aspects of your life such as relationships, employment, and housing.

If you are accused of robbery, you should immediately seek the assistance of leading and experienced Florida criminal defense attorney Farkas & Crowley. Without legal counsel, accusations may lead to a conviction.

Defining Robbery In Florida

Florida Statute 812.13 define robbery as the act of taking money or property from someone with either force or the implied use of force. The taking of property could be temporary or permanent, and during the robbery “the use of force, violence, assault, or putting in fear.”

The property must have some value, however small, and be taken without the owner’s consent with the threat or implication of force to instill fear in the victim. The threat may have been before, during, or after taking the property, and part of the series of events.

Robbery with a deadly weapon—Florida’s statute indicates that the use of a firearm or other deadly weapon, robbery is automatically a first-degree felony with a maximum penalty of up to life in prison.
- For carrying a weapon not considered “deadly,” the charge is also a first-degree felony, with penalties of up to 30 years in prison and a fine of $15,000.
Robbery without a weapon—is automatically a second-degree felony that includes a fine of up to $10,000, and a maximum of 15 years in prison and/or probation.

Punishments for robbery charges are detailed in Florida Statutes 775.082, 775.083, and 775.084.

Note that a “deadly weapon” is one that if used (or threatened to be used) will lead to death or great bodily harm to another person. The term is intended to cover a wide variety of things that could be used to cause death or serious harm to someone.

Are There Defenses For Robbery Charges?

There are. We will discuss the facts of the case with you to determine the best defense to use in court.

When a prosecutor goes with a charge of robbery with a deadly weapon, they must prove multiple elements of the charge. And we know what those elements are and how to challenge their assertions. We can prepare a defense to show that the charge is inappropriate, either partially or completely, because of one or more missing elements.

The “afterthought defense,” is also one defense where intent can be called into question. In it, a person did not intend to rob another person and did so as an afterthought when the victim was either unconscious or perhaps after a fight, when the victim doesn’t resist the taking of their wallet or property.

Also just having knowledge of a robbery taking place, being present at the scene of the robbery, or exhibiting specific behavior after the crime is not sufficient to be arrested and charged. For instance, if you are with someone who decides to commit an impromptu robbery, you cannot be automatically considered an accomplice and charged.

Some defenses can involve disputing any of the events that took place, including having permission from the owner to take the possession. You may be the rightful owner of the property, and we will prove ownership, called the Claim of Right.

Contact Farkas And Crowley For Robbery Charges

Since Florida has very harsh penalties for a robbery conviction, it’s vital to have a skilled, experienced defense attorney on your side. As leading West Palm Beach criminal defense attorneys serving Palm Beach County and throughout Florida, we will thoroughly investigate your case and build a strong defense against the charges. We will do our best to ensure that your rights are protected.

As per the Sixth Amendment, you are entitled to an attorney and do not need to talk to law enforcement without your attorney present. Please do not offer any statements without your attorney.

If you or a loved one has been accused of robbery, and you need professional and experienced legal support, contact Farkas and Crowley today by calling (561)444-9529, 24/7 or for inquiries or questions complete our online form.

Looking for a criminal law firm? Farkas & Crowley, P.A. are the attorneys for you. They are extremely knowledgeable of the law and go the extra mile for their clients. Their expertise and impeccable work ethic are hard to beat. Available 24/7. Highly recommended.

-Marla Newman

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Address

500 S. Australian Ave.
6th Floor
West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Phone

(561) - 444 - 9529

Hours

Mon - Fri: 9 am – 5 pm