A robbery charge can carry severe penalties and long-term consequences. The Key Largo robbery lawyers at Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC, understand the seriousness of your situation and could aggressively protect your rights from the beginning of your case. We could analyze the evidence, challenge the prosecution’s claims of force or intent, and pursue every available defense strategy. When your freedom and future are at risk, an experienced theft defense attorney could make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.
In Florida, robbery is a serious offense that requires the prosecution to prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt, making it essential to have a Key Largo defense attorney who could challenge such elements when possible.
First, the prosecution must prove that you have taken money or other property from the victim. Second, you must have taken the property from the person or the custody of another, meaning it was on the victim or within their immediate control. Third, and most importantly, it must be proven that you took the property through the use or threat of force, violence, or assault. The force or threat must occur before, during, or after the taking, as long as it is part of the same criminal episode. Even minimal force can satisfy this element if it is used to overcome the victim’s resistance.
Finally, the prosecution must show that you acted with the intent to permanently or temporarily deprive the victim of their property. With no intent, there can be no conviction. If you used a weapon, the state may elevate the charge to armed robbery, which carries significantly harsher penalties.
The penalties for a robbery conviction depend on the severity of the charge. A person convicted of a second-degree felony can face up to 15 years in prison. There is the potential of life in prison for a first-degree felony conviction, and additional sentence enhancements may be applied when certain factors are present. These factors result in mandatory minimum sentences, including 10 years for firearm possession, 20 years for discharging a firearm in the course of a robbery, and 25 years to life if the offense causes injury.
A robbery conviction may not always result in the maximum sentence, although the mandatory minimums cannot be waived. Your Key Largo attorney could negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecutor for less than the maximum sentence if you choose to plead guilty to the robbery charges against you.
A common defense for robbery is a lack of force or fear, as if property was taken without force, violence, or intimidation, the court may reduce the charge from robbery to theft. Mistaken identity is another strong defense, particularly in cases involving eyewitness testimony, which can be unreliable in stressful situations.
Your Key Largo attorney may also argue a lack of intent by showing you had no intent to permanently or temporarily rob the victim of property. Consent may also apply if the alleged victim willingly gave the property and no force or threats were involved. In some cases, your defense attorney may challenge the credibility of the alleged victim or expose inconsistencies in police reports and witness statements.
Additionally, illegal searches or seizures may result in the suppression of key evidence. Because robbery charges carry severe penalties, a seasoned criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your rights and build a strong defense.
If you are facing robbery charges, you are risking serious penalties and cannot afford to take chances. Don’t delay contacting a Key Largo robbery lawyer at Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC, who could pursue the best possible outcome in your case. Contact our firm today to speak with our team, protect your rights, and build a strong, aggressive defense.
