Robbery charges in Florida are serious because robbery constitutes a violent felony crime. A felony conviction can lead to the loss of civil rights, such as voting and jury service, and create significant long-term challenges for finding employment or even housing.
A skilled theft defense attorney understands the intricacies of Florida’s criminal justice system and could represent your best interests, negotiating with prosecutors and presenting a strong defense against your robbery charges. An Orange County robbery lawyer could protect your constitutional rights throughout the legal process, from the initial arrest to any potential trial or plea bargain.
Robbery involves taking property from another person’s possession using force, violence, or assault, or by putting them in fear, and with the intent to permanently or temporarily deprive them of that property. This act must involve either the threat or actual presence of force. The severity of the charge also depends on whether the perpetrators used a deadly weapon or a firearm during the commission of the robbery.
Strong-arm robbery is a second-degree felony under Florida law. This offense still involves taking property using physical force or violence, but without a weapon. If the court finds you guilty, they may sentence you to 15 years in jail plus fines of up to $10,000.
Armed robbery, a first-degree felony, occurs when perpetrators use or threaten to use a firearm or deadly weapon during the act of taking property. If the assailants possess a firearm but do not discharge it, the courts impose a mandatory 10-year minimum sentence. If they discharge a firearm, the court mandates at least 20 years, and if they discharge it to cause serious injury or death, the sentence carries a minimum of 25 years to life. If the court does not consider the weapon to be deadly (e.g., an imitation weapon), the charge is a first-degree felony, with a maximum penalty of up to 30 years in prison. Penalties also include significant fines.
Robbery by sudden snatching occurs when a perpetrator takes property from a victim during the act, and the victim becomes aware of it. The court classifies it as a third-degree felony if no weapon is involved, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. If a weapon is involved, it becomes a second-degree felony. Because the consequences of a robbery charge are severe, you should act quickly to secure legal representation from an Orange County attorney. An attorney could evaluate your charges and construct a compelling defense on your behalf.
To defend against robbery charges in Orange County, you need to retain a skilled attorney to handle your case as soon as possible. The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A defense attorney could analyze the evidence, such as witness statements or video footage, to create reasonable doubt and show that the state’s case is weak.
Another defense involves presenting an alibi that demonstrates you were not at the scene of the crime by providing verifiable proof, such as witness statements, receipts, or photographs, and showing that you were elsewhere at the time of the alleged robbery. If you were wrongly identified as the perpetrator, the defense could present evidence to prove your innocence and correct the mistake.
A crucial element of robbery is the intent to permanently or temporarily deprive the owner of property. A defense attorney could argue this intent was missing, such as in cases of a genuine mistake about ownership. An attorney could also review police reports and identify whether the initial stop or arrest was illegal, which would render any evidence gathered afterward inadmissible.
A robbery conviction in Florida can lead to severe penalties, including long prison sentences and a mandatory adjudication of guilt, which can have a lasting impact on your future and career. An Orange County robbery lawyer could advise you on your best legal options, which might include fighting the charges, negotiating a plea deal, or pursuing alternative solutions such as treatment or diversion programs.
Do not wait to secure the legal representation you need to defend your rights and future. Contact The Umansky Law Firm today to request your free case consultation.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
