Robbery Attorney Los Angeles

Call an experienced robbery defense lawyer.

Los Angeles Robbery Attorney image

Under California law, a robbery, in violation of Penal Code 211 through 215, is a very serious offense. Robbery is a “strike” offense under California Three Strikes Law, if you are convicted of robbery you will face state prison time, massive fines, and a strike on your record under California’s three strikes law, which results in even harsher penalties if you are ever convicted of another crime.

If you or a loved one are charged with robbery in Los Angeles County, it is essential you contact a qualified criminal defense lawyer to fight for you.

In California, to be convicted of robbery , the prosecution must prove:

  • The defendant took somebody else’s property.
  • The property was taken from another person’s possession and “immediate presence.”
  • The property was taken against that person’s will.
  • The defendant used force or fear to take the property or to prevent the person from resisting.
  • The defendant intended to deprive the owner of the property permanently or keep it for an extended period of time.

In robbery cases, it does not matter what the property at issue is.  Even if the property stolen is virtually worthless, a person can be still charged with a robbery.

Even if a person does not actually possess the stolen property, they can still be charged with robbery.

In California there are two degrees of robbery:

First Degree Robbery includes carjacking, a robbery which occurs inside an inhabited dwelling, and robbery of a person who is using just used an ATM machine.

All other robberies are second degree robbery.

PUNISHMENT FOR ROBBERY

A first degree robbery can carry a maximum prison term of nine years (more if a firearm is involved).

Second degree robbery carries a maximum prison term of two, three or five years.

THEFT VERSUS ROBBERY

If force or fear is not used to acquire the property it is a theft not a robbery. Theft is a lesser offense than robbery.  While all robberies are a form of theft, not all thefts are robberies.

Examples of thefts frequently overcharged as robberies:

A person is accused of snatching a purse or a chain from another person, this may not be robbery – this may be a theft, a lesser offense with lesser penalties.

-A person is accused of shoplifting and is accused of pushing past a store security guard while running out of the store. This also may be charged as a robbery, but in reality may be a theft.

If you or a loved one are accused of robbery, you must you quickly contact a qualified Los Angeles Criminal defense lawyer to begin fighting for you. Key witnesses must be interviewed and steps must be taken to protect important evidence that may be the key to you or a loved one’s freedom.

CALL THE LAW OFFICES OF JEROD GUNSBERG

AT (310)210-0744 FOR A FREE CONSLUTATION