Robbery & Armed Robbery

Robbery is a violent theft crime in which force or the threat of violence are used to take an individual’s property. If you are facing robbery charges in West Palm Beach, you could face penalties that are much more severe than penalties for a standard theft crime. A West Palm Beach robbery defense attorney who has years of experience representing those charged with violent criminal offenses like robbery may be the key to a brighter future.

Defining Robbery in West Palm Beach

Robbery is the taking of another’s money or property using force, violence, assault, or the threat of harm. A standard robbery does not involve a weapon, yet it is considered a second-degree felony offense. Many robbery crimes are punishable by a term of years not exceeding life in prison. Life in prison in Florida means you never get out — there is no early release and no parole.

Penalties are enhanced to a first-degree felony charge if a deadly weapon was used to carry out the offense. Popular deadly weapons include firearms and knives, but any object that can be used to incur great bodily harm can be considered a deadly weapon. This robbery crime is known as armed robbery and is a very serious offense.

Florida recognizes three types of robbery and armed robbery crimes. Generally, robbery is a second-degree felony offense which could lead to a maximum of 15 years in state prison upon a conviction. The three main types of robbery are:

Robbery by Sudden Snatching

Robbery by sudden snatching describes the act in which an offender quickly grabs an item away from a victim’s person when in the course of the act the victim becomes aware of the theft. A purse snatching is a common example of this crime. Because it is not necessary for the offender to use any amount of force beyond what is necessary to physically obtain the property, the crime is considered a third-degree felony offense. If the offender was in possession of a weapon at the time of the offense, the crime would result in a second-degree felony charge. It is not necessary for the victim to resist or sustain injuries for one to be charged with this crime. 

Home Invasion Robbery

A home invasion takes place when the offender enters a home with the intent to commit a robbery of the home’s occupants. The home’s occupants must be inside at the time of the robbery to constitute a home invasion. This crime is a first-degree felony for which one can face up to 30 years in prison, up to 30 years on probation, and up to $10,000 in fines if the offender did not carry a weapon. Life in prison is possible for an armed home invasion robbery.

Carjacking

Carjacking is the forceful taking of a motor vehicle with or without the use of a weapon. A carjacking occurs while the driver is in custody of the vehicle, such as when the driver is physically driving the car or is pumping gas into the car at a gas station. Carjacking is considered a violent first-degree felony offense, which may lead to severe penalties such as a period of incarceration and steep fines. Learn more about carjacking here.

Armed Robbery Charges

Armed robbery with a weapon is defined in Florida Statute §812.13. It is a first-degree felony punishable by a maximum of 30 years in state prison. Armed robbery with a deadly weapon is also a first-degree felony offense punishable by up to 30 years of incarceration in state prison. In addition to a lengthy prison sentence, a conviction of robbery may also lead to a fine of up to $10,000, community service, the loss of certain certifications, time on probation, and a permanent criminal record.

Get Started on Your Criminal Defense in West Palm Beach

At The Law Office of Gabriel & Gabriel, attorney Brian Gabriel has dedicated 30 years of his career to defending violent criminal charges such as robbery and armed robbery in Palm Beach County and surrounding areas. He can make a significant impact in your case, ensuring it goes in the right direction. Contact us online or call 561-622-5575 for a free consultation.