La Mirada Robbery Attorney
It can be challenging to go up against robbery charges, with many defendants having feelings of helplessness and uncertainty about what will come next. It’s important to have strong legal representation who can help you fight back, as a conviction can lead to incarceration, a criminal record, and a permanently damaged reputation. A La Mirada robbery lawyer from Shield Law, APC, can work to reduce your penalties or even dismiss your case.
At Shield Law, APC, our experienced legal team understands that not all robbery cases are as straightforward as prosecutors make them out to be. Many cases involve circumstances that suddenly escalated, mistaken identity, or a misunderstanding. Regardless of your case details, you have legal options. Our accomplished criminal defense team can go over your case and help you implement an aggressive defense that protects your freedom.
A Breakdown of Robbery Charges in California
Under the California Penal Code, robbery is a felony offense that includes attempting to or successfully permanently depriving another individual of their property using threats, intimidation, or force. As opposed to theft charges, robbery charges require showing that violence or coercion was present, making the penalties harsher.
A thoughtful criminal defense attorney from Shield Law, APC, can help you defend against the two types of robbery charges:
- First-degree robbery. This type of robbery crime includes robbery cases that happen in someone’s house, at an ATM, or against a bus or taxi driver.
- Second-degree robbery. Second-degree robbery includes any other type of robbery that doesn’t fall under the first-degree robbery category.
Although first-degree robbery charges are more severe, both categories can lead to significant prison sentences. As robbery falls under California’s Three Strikes Law, this means that even a conviction could lead to a life sentence if you have prior strike offenses on your record.
Additional penalties for a robbery conviction can include felony probation, hefty fines, and a loss of firearm rights.
Furthermore, having a permanent criminal record may impact your ability to access educational, professional, and housing opportunities. Cases involving an injury of another person, use of a weapon, or multiple individuals can have even harsher consequences.
A La Mirada Robbery Lawyer Is Here to Defend Your Case
Even though you’re likely feeling overwhelmed by your robbery charges, it’s crucial to note that charges don’t always lead to a conviction. By leveraging the right defense strategy, you can successfully mitigate your penalties or get your case dropped altogether. A savvy and innovative attorney from Shield Law, APC, can evaluate your case and help you understand whether the following defense strategies may be right for you:
- Lack of evidence. As the prosecution needs sufficient and robust evidence to prove that you committed a crime beyond a reasonable doubt, any insufficiencies could weaken their entire case.
- Mistaken identity. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for the wrong person to be accused of a crime due to unreliable witness statements. If this is the case for you, we can shed light on this injustice.
- No force or intimidation. If your case did not involve the use of force or intimidation, we may be able to reduce your charges to theft.
- False accusations. If the alleged victim is lying or misrepresenting events, we can bring this issue to light.
FAQs
Burglary and robbery are types of theft crimes. Robbery is different from theft or burglary in that, unlike theft, robbery involves threatening a victim with force or actually using force against them. Burglary, on the other hand, includes going into a building unlawfully with the intention of committing theft or another crime. Burglary crimes may not necessarily involve any type of confrontation or use of force.
The different degrees of robbery in California are first-degree and second-degree. First-degree robbery involves forcibly stealing something from an individual on private property, at an ATM, or on the street. Second-degree robbery is any other type of robbery that does not meet the criteria of being first-degree. A knowledgeable attorney can help you understand the degree of robbery charges you’re facing, helping you develop a defense strategy accordingly.
Penalties for a robbery conviction are dependent on various factors, including the degree of the robbery. First-degree robbery penalties tend to be more serious than second-degree robbery – coming with longer periods of incarceration. Both convictions, however, can lead to time in prison. Additional penalties involve restitution to victims, probation, and fines. A skilled attorney can help you minimize the penalties for your robbery charges.
Yes, you can be charged with robbery even if you did not physically harm the victim in question. It is not required to demonstrate that physical harm took place to bring a robbery charge forward. Making a victim fear for their safety or threatening them with force alone is enough to constitute robbery charges. A knowledgeable attorney can help you prove that no threats or fear of harm were present to reduce or drop your charges.
Defenses that can be used against a robbery charge are specific to the circumstances of the case; however, options may include demonstrating that not enough evidence is provided to prove that the individual carried out the act, showing that there was no use of force or fear of imminent force, or showing that the defendant did not intend to commit robbery. Other options include showing that accusations are false or the person was mistakenly identified as another person.
Launch an Optimal Defense Strategy With a La Mirada Robbery Lawyer
If you or your loved one is facing charges for robbery in La Mirada or surrounding areas, you could be dealing with serious potential consequences, including incarceration and a permanent criminal record.
A La Mirada robbery lawyer from Shield Law, APC, is determined to help you leverage strong defense strategies to protect your freedom and future. Contact an empathetic attorney from our team today to learn more about how we can support your case.