Key West Robbery Lawyer

A robbery conviction can leave you with serious adverse short and long-term consequences. Rather than taking risks with an inexperienced attorney, retain a Key West robbery lawyer from Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC. Our aggressive theft defense team has decades of experience in representing individuals charged with property crimes in both state and federal courts. Contact our firm today to schedule your consultation.

What Are The Components of a Robbery Indictment?

Prosecutors might charge someone with theft for taking property illegally, or with burglary if a person enters a house or a car for the purpose of committing a crime, even if no property is taken. Robbery, however, is a more serious crime in that it involves the use of violence in the taking of property from someone else. Florida Statute § 812.13(a) defines robbery as:

• The removal of valuable property or assets from another person
• Removal of property with the intention to retain the property or assets, either temporarily or permanently
• Removal of property accompanied by some level of force or violence in a way that causes the victim to experience fear

Force is typically proven by showing that the robbery involved a deadly weapon or that the perpetrator used physical violence in the course of the crime. A knowledgeable lawyer could scrutinize the underlying charges to understand what a Key West prosecutor will need to prove in order to win a robbery conviction.

How Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Fight Robbery Charges?

As with all criminal offenses, a prosecutor must prove every element of a robbery charge to win a conviction. Knowing this, your Key West robbery defense attorney could analyze each piece of evidence the prosecutor seeks to have admitted at trial. In doing so, your attorney could aggressively cross-examine witnesses and emphasize weaknesses in the chain of custody of the property alleged to have been part of the crime.

In addition, a skilled attorney could raise a mistaken identity defense, particularly if you were identified from a faulty photo or live lineup, or if witnesses cannot remember details of the perpetrator’s appearance. Your lawyer may also challenge the intent component of the crime, for example, by showing that you had a reasonable belief that you owned the property. Our team often questions prosecutors’ claims that an accused individual used force or that the victim reasonably feared for their life. If possible, your attorney could impose a self-defense rebuttal by showing that the property was taken to prevent harm or injury.

What Should You Do If You Are Facing Robbery Charges?

If you are arrested or indicted for robbery, remember:

• You do not have to answer questions or consent to an interview
• You have a right to representation by a robbery defense lawyer, who could accompany you throughout the pre-trial and trial processes in Key West
• You can refuse to allow police into your home or to search your car unless they have a search warrant, in which case they are obligated to adhere to the warrant’s limitations

If you have questions about your rights following a robbery charge, contact our dedicated team of attorneys as soon as possible.

Contact a Key West Attorney From Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC For Help Fighting Robbery Charges

If you are under investigation or have already been charged with robbery, you could get fair and accurate legal advice from an experienced Key West robbery lawyer from Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC. Contact us today for help building the strongest available defense to protect your rights and your future.