The crime of robbery involves taking property from someone against their will by use of intimidation or force. It is a violent criminal offense, and a conviction could mean spending life in prison.
The most effective way to fight and defend yourself against the charges is to have a solid understanding of the laws and criminal offense the state is accusing you of carrying out. Reaching out to a DeKalb County robbery lawyer could ensure you are thoroughly prepared to defend against the charges. Call one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys for more information.
Robbery, Armed Robbery, and Attempt to Commit Robbery
A person may face charges for attempted robbery, robbery, or armed robbery, with the last being the most severe. Per the regulations of the Official Code of Georgia § 16-8-40, a person who takes the property of another in one of the following ways is guilty of robbery:
- Using force to take the property
- Sudden and unexpected snatching of their property, such as snatching a wallet or purse
- Using a threat to intimidate and put someone in reasonable fear of severe bodily harm to themselves or another
As per the Official Code of Georgia § 16-8-41, anyone who, in the immediate presence of another person, uses a firearm, another deadly weapon, or a replica of a gun or other dangerous weapon, puts them in reasonable fear of imminent harm is guilty of armed robbery, with the intent to commit theft. While intending to commit robbery is the lesser crime and armed robbery is the most severe, they are violent criminal offenses the state prosecutes to the fullest extent allowable by state laws.
Punishment for a Conviction
A guilty conviction for armed robbery is punishable by no less than 20 years of imprisonment with a maximum of life in prison without parole. Those the criminal court finds guilty of armed robbery with aggravating factors, such as someone suffering fatal injuries during the criminal action, face the possibility of the death penalty.
Armed Robbery of a Pharmacy
A person guilty of carrying out armed robbery, including inflicting bodily harm to take controlled substances from a pharmacy unlawfully, will serve a term of no less than 15 years in prison. Under the statutes, pharmacies include retail establishments licensed to dispense controlled substances. A DeKalb County attorney with experience in robbery cases could answer specific questions about the criminal laws and potential outcomes during the consultation.
Defense Against Robbery Charges
There are a range of possible defense strategies in cases involving robbery charges:
- The mistaken identity of a witness
- Lack of intent to commit the crime
- Intoxication at the time of the alleged crime
- Reasonable doubt due to lack of evidence establishing the party’s guilt of the crime
- The person had the legal right to enter the dwelling or to take possession of the property in question
- The defendant was under duress, including threats of physical harm to themselves or loved ones, when they carried out the criminal offense
A lawyer in DeKalb County could thoroughly review the robbery case and state’s evidence to help tailor a strategy to meet the individual’s needs. This includes reviewing the arrest to determine if there were rights violations during the search, arrest, or interrogation and whether they had cause to accuse the individual of the crime in the first place.
Reach Out to a Skilled Robbery Attorney in DeKalb County Today
When you face armed robbery charges or are under investigation, you must take the case seriously and prepare to defend your legal rights and future. A DeKalb County robbery lawyer could help you navigate the criminal court procedure and investigate to gather the crucial evidence needed to reach the best potential outcome in your case.
We could speak to witnesses, review videos, and research to find the weaknesses in the state’s case and help you overcome the charges. Call one of our skilled and diligent attorneys today to begin preparing your defense when you need help with a criminal case.
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