Robbery is one of the most serious theft-related crimes under state law. This is because of the presence or threat of violence as part of the underlying crime. If you have been accused of robbing someone, our skilled defense attorneys could help you fight back.
A conviction on this charge could be a serious setback for you and your loved ones. Fortunately, you are entitled to a vigorous defense. To discuss your best path forward, reach out to our Cranberry Township robbery lawyer today to get started.
Under state law, robbery is more than just theft, it is theft committed through the use or threat of force, as our Cranberry Township attorneys could explain. Robbery involves taking or attempting to take property from another person by inflicting injury, threatening them with immediate harm, or physically removing their property by force. While simple theft can occur when the owner of the property is not present, robbery requires direct confrontation with them.
State law recognizes different degrees of robbery depending on the circumstances. For example, if someone inflicts serious bodily injury during the course of a theft, the charge may be classified as a first-degree felony. Using threats or causing minor injury can still elevate the crime to a second- or third-degree felony. Because of these distinctions, the penalties for robbery can vary significantly. It is important to note that robbery is always treated as a felony offense.
Facing an arrest on robbery charges is daunting. Fortunately, avoiding a conviction could be possible with the right defense strategy. Our robbery lawyers in Cranberry Township could review the facts and help you identify the best defense for your situation. Some options include the following:
You have rights under the Pennsylvania State and U.S. Constitution that protect you from unlawful arrests or searches. If the government violates the law when collecting evidence against you, your attorney may be able to exclude it from trial. This could lead to the case being thrown out, or a favorable outcome at trial.
It is important to remember that the prosecution has to prove that you committed robbery beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a high legal burden, and prosecutors are not always able to meet it. In some cases, you could benefit from focusing on how weak the evidence is against you instead of trying to develop other theories or identify other suspects.
An uncommon defense strategy involves claiming duress. In order for you to meet the intent element of this crime, you must rob someone of your own free will. If you were threatened or coerced into committing this crime, you have a viable defense. Our attorneys could help show a jury you were forced to act in a way that you would not have of your own will.
There are times when there is ample evidence that a robbery occurred, but the state lacks proof that it involved a deadly weapon or some other factor used to enhance the charges. In these situations, your attorneys might attack these weaknesses in an effort to secure a conviction on a lesser offense.
If you have been accused of robbery, it is critical for you to seek out skilled legal counsel who is prepared to fight on your behalf. A conviction is never guaranteed, but you will need a viable defense strategy in order to get the outcome you deserve.
Our lawyers are former prosecutors, making them uniquely well equipped to defend criminal cases. To learn how our Cranberry Township robbery lawyer could help, reach out for a private consultation.