Phoenix, AZ Robbery Lawyer

Robbery is a felony crime with severe consequences. Even the least serious robbery charge carries a significant jail sentence.

If you have been charged with robbery, contact a Phoenix, AZ robbery lawyer right away. Our skilled defense attorneys will work to ensure the most favorable outcome possible in the circumstances.

Explanation of Robbery Charges

Robbery means taking something from a rightful owner without the intention to give it back, and using threats or force to do so. It is a more serious charge than theft, which does not involve force.

Simple Robbery

Arizona Revised Statutes §13-1902 describes simple robbery. When a person threatens or forces someone to give up their property against their will, they have committed simple robbery. There is no need for physical contact between the accused and the alleged victim, just a threat is enough.

Aggravated Robbery

Aggravated robbery is a more serious charge. Arizona Revised Statutes §13-1903 states that aggravated robbery occurs when the accused had an accomplice when committing the robbery.

Armed Robbery

Arizona Revised Statutes §13-1904 describes the crime of armed robbery, which occurs when someone commits a robbery while armed with a weapon or dangerous instrument. The accused does need to use or even display a weapon to be charged with armed robbery. The fact that they were armed and allegedly committed a robbery satisfies the elements of the crime. A Phoenix, AZ robbery attorney can help someone facing this type of charge understand their situation in more specific detail to craft the best possible defense strategy.

Penalties Upon Conviction

Arizona has a complex method for criminal sentencing. The judge must consider the offender’s criminal record, the severity of the crime, and whether there were mitigating or aggravating circumstances present. A Phoenix, AZ attorney will work to persuade a judge that mitigating factors merit a lighter sentence.

When convicted of simple robbery, a Class 4 felony, a first offender faces a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in prison if the judge finds mitigating circumstances. The sentence can extend as long as three years and nine months if the judge finds there were aggravating circumstances. Aggravated robbery is a Class 3 felony and carries a potential sentence of between two years and eight years, nine months for first offenders.

Armed robbery is a Class 2 felony and is considered a dangerous crime, which increases the severity of the penalties and limits the possibility of leniency or early release.

Defenses to Robbery Charges

No matter how dire a situation seems, it is always possible for a skilled Phoenix attorney to present a defense to a robbery charge. If dismissal of the charges or an acquittal are not possible, a legal professional can often convince the prosecutor to bring a less serious charge with a less onerous penalty.

Prosecutors must have clear evidence proving every element of the crime. A criminal defense attorney can often challenge the weaknesses in the prosecutor‘s case to convince them that a lesser charge is more appropriate.

When police make procedural errors or violate the rights of the accused, a judge will often dismiss a charge. The defense attorneys at Phillips Law Group will investigate the circumstances of the police investigation and the arrest to ensure there were no violations. If misconduct occurred, they will immediately bring them to the attention of the prosecutor and the judge overseeing the case.

Contact a Phoenix, AZ Attorney When You Face Robbery Charges

A conviction on a robbery charge means time in prison and a felony record. You owe it to yourself and your family to mount a vigorous defense.

The Phoenix, AZ robbery lawyers at Phillips Law Group have been representing members of our community charged with crimes for more than three decades. We have the knowledge, skills, and experience to achieve a favorable outcome to your criminal matter. Reach out today to set up a free consultation with a team member to learn how we can help you.