Bel Air Robbery Lawyer
Robbery, unlike theft, is a type of violent crime in most cases, and can be charged as a serious felony. If you were charged with robbery, you need experienced legal counsel. We strongly urge you to reach out to the Bel Air law offices of Schlaich & Thompson Chartered.
Robbery Carries a Penalty of up to 15 Years, or More Depending on the Circumstances
Robbery, which is the theft of another’s property, requires the use of force. Theft, on the other hand, is taking another’s property but not from their person, and the value of the property taken is used to determine the punishment. Robbery is different, and the value of the property taken is not as significant as how the defendant allegedly took the property. For example, did the defendant allegedly use a deadly weapon or cause serious bodily harm to the victim? Under § 3-402, robbery and attempted robbery are both felonies punishable by up to 15 years in prison. If assault has also occurred, additional assault charges may apply.
Varying Levels of Robbery
If the defendant allegedly grabbed a purse out of someone’s hands and walked or ran off with it, they could be charged with robbery and punished with up to 15 years in prison. However, if the defendant caused serious bodily harm, used a deadly weapon, or stole a person’s car with them in it (carjacking), the penalties may be much higher.
- Robbery With a Dangerous Weapon is punished under § 3-403 with up to 20 years in prison. A dangerous weapon includes a firearm, knife, pipe, or anything else that could kill another. If the defendant showed the victim a note saying that they had a dangerous weapon, that also counts as robbery with a dangerous weapon. Additionally, if the defendant had a firearm, they face an additional 20-year maximum, five-year minimum charge on top of the robbery with a dangerous weapon charge, meaning they could potentially serve 40 years behind bars.
- Carjacking is defined under § 3-405 as taking a motor vehicle from someone with the use of intimidation, threat of force, or violence. Carjacking carries a maximum 30-year sentence. Additional charges will be applied if the victim was harmed or the defendant used a handgun or dangerous weapon.
Defending Against Robbery Charges
In order for a robbery charge to stick, there must be plenty of evidence, possibly including eyewitnesses, video surveillance footage, and more. Moreover, if the defendant merely pickpocketed the victim, a robbery charge is not present. There must be evidence that the defendant used strong arm or threatening tactics for the offense to be robbery. The weaker the case against you, the higher your attorneys chances become of winning in court, having the charges dropped, or reaching a reasonable plea deal.
Contact a Bel Air Robbery Lawyer Today
In order to get an idea of what you can expect the outcome to be, you need to consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Defendants facing robbery charges need to get in touch with the robbery defense attorneys of Schlaich & Thompson Chartered today at 410-838-0004.
